15 Best Dog Puzzle Toys That Will Keep Your Pup Entertained for Hours

Even the smartest furry Einsteins will be challenged by these mentally stimulating balls, plushies, and games.

dog ready to play a puzzle dog toy

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Whether you've had a dog for a day or a decade, you know the following to be true: first comes a bored dog, then comes trouble. Fortunately, toys can help. And toys that require your dog to think will be effective for longer.

To that end, we've found the most mentally stimulating puzzles for dogs. Most of these toys use food to entice pups to flip, push, and roll them around in order to unlock a treat. Need even more ways to keep Fido entertained? Try adding one of the best interactive dog toys to their toy collection too.

Doskocil Treat Pod

Treat Pod

Hide some treats in this toy's tiny pods and your dog won't put it down until she digs them out. Bonus: It can also be used for tug-of-war, so it's great for interactive play too. 

RELATED:   20 Best Dog Toys for Pups Big and Small

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Outward Hound Dog Brick Toy

Outward Hound Dog Brick Toy

This puzzle is perfect for all levels. "It’s a Level 2 in terms of difficulty, but I recommend starting with this one rather than an easier Level 1 puzzle," says Ellis. "This puzzle is very versatile and adjustable in complexity so it will occupy the mind and paws of a beginner as well as a canine puzzle-master."

Ware Manufacturing Dog-E-Logic Interactive Dog Game

Your pup has to scratch and nudge to get these nobs out of their notches. Luckily, the entire toy is made of chew-resistant bamboo, so it'll stand up to Fido's attempts to tear it to pieces.

RELATED:   30 Indestructible Dog Toys for the Pet That Loves to Chew

Nina Ottosson Nina Ottosson Dog Magic Puzzle Toy

Pop some treats underneath a few of the bone compartments and challenge your pet to dislodge the bones and get his reward. The smell of Bacon Bites wafting through the air is enough motivation for any dog.  

SPOT Flip N' Slide Treat Dispenser for Dogs

For more of a challenge, upgrade to this board with multiple games. She'll have to decide whether to push, slide, or flip to get her kibble.

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle

It's his favorite thing to hunt ... squirrels! Once he's figured out the game, these plush toys are perfect for fetch.

Outward Hound Hide N' Slide Treat Dispensing Dog Toy

Here's one you can play together: Choose one of the holes to hide a treat, then watch as he learns to slide the piece around to find it.

Trixie Trixie Flip Toy

Once Fido is ready for the next challenge, get him this flip board. The concept is similar to other puzzle games, but the added knobs and disks make getting to the treats a little more difficult.

Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball

If your dog loves toys that roll, get him this treat dispensing ball. It's perfect for fetch and independent playtime. 

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Twister Interactive Dog Toy

This puzzle toy allows you to adjust the difficulty level by locking some of the compartments and leaving others open. Use it for treats or fill the compartments with kibble for a more mentally stimulating meal time. 

Busy Buddy Treat Dispensing Twist Toy

Your dog will have to twist and gnaw their way to a treat with this chew toy that's also a puzzle. Plus, the toy is dishwasher safe, which means you can wash it easily. 

SPOT Seek-A-Treat Shuffle Puzzle

Unlike other puzzles that reward your dog for random behavior, this one challenges her to actually think about what she is doing. Once she slides over the wooden piece, she'll find treats underneath!

Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Link Toy

This soft cube can be transformed into a range of different shapes. When your pup gets it into the perfect position, it'll dispense treats for her to enjoy. 

Frisco Hide and Seek Volcano Puzzle Toy

Instead of food, this plush toy uses squeaky dinosaurs to entice your dog to pull them out one by one. Got a dog who loves to chew? You can also purchase dino refill packs in case one of the toys bites the dust. 

Busy Buddy Twist 'n Treat Dog Toy

Available in small, medium, and large sizes, this toy is great for pups of all kinds. The "puzzle" here isn't too difficult (all your dog needs to do is roll the toy), but you can tighten or loosen the twist to up the ante. Either way, your dog will love receiving treats as she plays. 

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9 Best Puzzle Toys For Dogs: Keep Spot Engaged!

Toys By Meg Marrs 17 min read September 1, 2021 12 Comments

best dog puzzle toys

Best Puzzle Toys: Quick Picks

  • Classic Kong [Best Basic Toy] A great basic challenge toy that requires dogs to work a bit harder for dinner as they lick inside the Kong and dislodge what’s inside.
  • Brick Toy by Nina Ottosson [Best Level 2 Challenge] A super fun puzzle toy that requires dogs to nudge, dislodge, and flip various compartments to find all the treats hidden inside!
  • Outward Hound Fun Feeder [Best For Dinnertime] This puzzle toy is mostly all about encouraging your dog to slow down his eating. It’s a very easy challenge and great for a first attempt at a dog puzzle toy!
  • Snuffle Mat [Best For Sniffing Dogs] If you have a dog that loves to sniff (in particular dogs with a hunting or tracking background) they’ll love digging through these fabric folds for goodies!

Owning a high-energy dog or puppy can be exhausting at times, and obtaining puzzle toys for dogs give you an opportunity to take a break while ensuring your dog remains happy and active.

Both dogs and humans love brain stimulation – being challenged is a canine’s delight!

The best dog puzzle toys often involve making your dog work a little for a tasty reward.

Many dogs actually prefer to work for their food rather than eating out of a boring old bowl. Searching for food alleviates boredom , and sniffing activates your dog’s brain’s pleasure center!

9 Best Dog Puzzle Toys For Keeping Your Pooch Amused

We’re detailing the very best interactive dog toy puzzles that are sure to keep Fido entertained! Some toys require owner supervision (and even participation), while others can be left with your dog unattended.

1. Classic Kong

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kong-toy

Classic KONG

The original must-have puzzle toy.

This versatile puzzle toy is a favorite of animal shelters everywhere. It can be played with, chomped on, filled with food, and frozen!

About:  The ubiquitous Classic Kong is a great beginner puzzle toy to ease your dog into using their problem-solving skills. Start by filling it to the brim with a handful of dry kibble and let them figure out how to get it all.

As they become more adept at emptying the toy, increase the difficulty by using soggy kibble, peanut butter, or frozen treats . You can use the Kong to handle mealtime or to help a puppy adjust to crate training.

Plus, if you’re looking for an ultra-tough indestructible puzzle toy that you can leave your dog with home alone, the Classic Kong is an excellent choice (although you should always supervise your dog engaging with a toy several times before trusting him alone with it). The Classic Kong is available in several different sizes and strengths to meet your individual dog’s needs.

  • Vet Recommended. The Kong ball is a highly rated, vet-approved toy for keeping your dog happy and engaged.
  • Great For Dinner & Play. The Kong can be used both as a feeding system or as a simple fun, bouncy toy.
  • Ultra Durable & Chew-Proof. Kongs are known for their tough, chew-friendly rubber, so even owners of rough dogs need not fear the Kong.

Owners can’t say enough good things about Kong – they are one of the most well-known, reputable dog toy brands on the market. You can rest assured that you’re getting a high-quality toy for your dog.

Despite Kong’s amazing rubber, some dogs still manage to chew through (what are their teeth made of, dragon glass?).

2. Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy For Dogs

brick-puzzle-toy

Nina Ottosson Brick Toy

Brain-boosting find-the-treat puzzle toy.

Pups must flip the covers off various compartments to find the morsels. One of the more popular Nina Ottosson puzzle toys!

About: This “Brick” style puzzle dog toy from Nina Ottosson allows you to hide treats under different “bricks” for your dog to sniff out and slide away to reveal the treat.

  • Good For Beginners. This is a great beginner puzzle toy for dogs new to the concept, with an easy to medium difficulty level.
  • Bond & Interact With Your Dog. This puzzle toy works best with dog owner interaction, allowing you and your canine to play together and bond!
  • Sturdy And Non-Toxic. This durable interactive toy is tough, non-toxic, and can be washed easily in a dishwasher.

Owners love that they can use this puzzle toy to play and engage with their dog.

Some owners note that their dog was able to solve this toy too easily, suggesting that it’s best for dogs new to puzzle toys or for young puppies. If you have a smarty pants dog , you may want to upgrade to a tougher toy.

3. Trixie Activity Board

trixie-activity

Trixie Activity Board

Intermediate-level puzzle toy that requires canine thinking.

Compartments must be moved and lifted in different ways for your dog to find the treats!

About: The Trixie Dog Activity Board is a puzzle toy for dogs that’s ideal for dogs who need a bit more of a challenge.

  • Use Mouth & Nose. Requires your dog to use their mouths and paws/noses to lift and shift pieces.
  • Requires critical thinking. Toy relies on different techniques for opening indentations.
  • Non-slip Rubber Feet. Non-slip feet allow your dog to push and nudge the toy without it toppling over or sliding around.
  • Washable. Machine washable and easy to clean.
  • May Require Some Teaching. Requires some initial training to teach your dog how to access the treats.

Owners love that this toy is more challenging for smart pantys pups who have mastered other puzzle toys

Owners note that is it very important to teach your dog and show them how to “win” at the game, otherwise they will simply get upset and frustrated.

4. Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl

slow-eater-bowl

Outward Hound Slo Bowl

Ridged dog bowl that slows down speedy eaters.

This slow-eater dog bowl forces your dog to use his tongue to grab kibble rather than gulp it down all at once.

About: The Outward Hound Fun Feeder  is another basic toy that stimulates your dog while also slowing down how quickly they eat at mealtime.

If your dog struggles with gulping down kibble, slow feed dog bowls are a great way to stop your dog’s frantic gobbling while adding a bit of brain-boosting challenge to your dog’s dinner session.

  • Your Dog’s Dinner. Holds up to 4 cups of dry kibble, making it the perfect dinner time toy.
  • Helps Dogs Eat Slower. This toy is designed to help gobbling canines slow down, which in turn improves digestion and prevent bloating, choking, and other issues.
  • Food Safe Plastic. Made with food-safe ABS plastic that is  BPA, PVC & phthalate free.

This toy is perfect for dogs who devour their dinners – owners note the Outward Hound Fun Feeder makes dogs work a bit harder for their meal, in some cases saving owners several trips to the vet for bloat and digestion problems.

This dog puzzle toy can’t really be used for situations outside of meal time.

5. Nina Ottosson’s Dog Tornado Toy

tornado-toy

Dog Tornado Puzzle

A moderate-level spinning puzzle toy.

This Level 2 Ottosson toy requires your dog to move 12 spinning compartments in order to access goodies!

About:  Another Nina Ottosson toy called the Dog Tornado lets dogs swivel different stacked compartments to access hidden treats.

  • Can Leave Dogs Unsupervised. Unlike many others, this dog toy doesn’t require constant supervision.
  • Training Needed. Requires some training interaction at first to teach your pup how to use it.

Owners of witty canines love having a toy that can finally match their doggy’s Einstein mind.

This dog toy is more difficult and designed for dogs with big brains. If your dog is new to puzzle toys or not especially clever, they may simple find this toy too frustrating and get annoyed.

6. Kong Stuff-A-Ball Toy

About:  The next level up from the basic Kong, the KONG Stuff-a-Ball Toy offers a bigger challenge for motivated dogs.

stuff-a-ball

Kong Stuff-A-Ball

Teeth-cleaning treat dispenser.

Made of the same ultra-tough rubber at the standard Kong, this ball includes ridges to get your dog’s teeth clean!

  • Multiple Settings. This toy provides more treat dispensing options with external crevices and an internal dispenser.
  • Chew-Friendly.  Made from super durable, puncture-resistant, non-toxic rubber that Kong toys are known for.
  • Cleans Your Dog’s Teeth.  Toy’s ridges helps clean your dog’s teeth and massage gums.
  • Easy To Clean. This Kong toy is dishwasher safe and durable.

Owners appreciate how this toy cleans their dogs’ teeth while keeping them engaged. It also has a fun bounce to it!

A few owners with extra rough and tough chewing dogs found that this toy couldn’t hold up against super aggressive chompers.

7. Kong Wobbler

kong-wobbler

Kong Wobbler

Wobbling feeder that dispenses treats.

This feeder requires your dog to knock, nose, and paw at the weighted dispenser in order for food to fall out.

About: The Kong Wobbler toy wobbles and rolls across the floor in an unpredictable pattern, mixing activity and games with mealtime.

  • No Supervision Needed. This toy is pretty simple and has very few parts. You should be a-ok to leave your pup unattended while playing with this toy.
  • Easy for You and Your Pup. Simply unscrew the top of this toy, fill it with your dog’s breakfast or dinner, and let your dog go to town! Most dogs catch onto the batting and nosing required to get their food very quickly.

This toy is simple to use and easy to clean. Owners of smart dogs love how this toy is as much about physical skill as anything else — it doesn’t get old the way some other toys do. Even the smartest dogs can’t totally outwit this toy!

This toy can be a bit noisy as it rolls around on your floor. Keep this in mind if your downstairs neighbors work the night shift!

8. Snuffle Mat

Paw 5 Dog Snuffle Mat for Dogs Small Dog Toys Interactive, Boredom & Anxiety Premium Feeding Mat for Slow Eating & Smell Training, Dog Brain Toy

Snuffle Mat

Puzzle toy that challenges your dog’s sniffer.

Features soft felt strips that your dog must snuff and dig through to access kibble.

About: The Snuffle Mat is an absolute must-have for nervous or anxious dogs. Your dog will get the soothing benefits of using his nose and his mind to find his dinner. Think of it as an 80s shag carpet full of dog treats.

  • Relies Heavily on Scent. This toy is more of a scent game than a tough-to-solve puzzle. As we said above, sniffing is a great way to calm down nervous dogs.
  • Easy for Dogs. What’s more natural to a dog than using his nose to find food? This toy keeps dogs busy for a while, but doesn’t require any training on your end to make it work.

Owners of anxious dogs find this toy is really useful for soothing nervous dogs. Some owners even found it helped during thunderstorms or fireworks

This toy can get a bit dirty and should only be used with kibble. After a time, the fleece on this toy might get stretched out and might need to be replaced.

9. Household Recycling

About: Get creative with egg cartons, paper bags, cereal boxes, and other recycling around your home. We already have a whole article about DIY Puzzle Toys , but this is still an absolute favorite.

  • Switch it up Every Day. When your trash turns into toys, it’s easy to give your pup something new (almost) every day. While most owners certainly can’t afford 365 different puzzle toys, it’s not that hard to make a different piece of trash into a puzzle toy every day.
  • Let Your Dog Destroy Something. Many dogs, especially young ones, have a strong desire to shred things. When you pay for expensive toys (or new shoes), this is a problem. Letting your dog destroy a few cereal boxes can help make everyone happier!

It doesn’t get much cheaper than using your own trash to make toys for your dogs. You can get creative, or just close a few pieces of kibble into an egg carton and call it a day.

You generally have to clean up after your pup destroys a DIY puzzle toy. This can get old fast! You also need to be careful not to give your dog something that might hurt him if he eats it.

What’s The Best Puzzle Toy For Dogs? We Choose Kong

All the puzzle toys we detailed above are great choices for challenging your four-legged fur baby, but if you simply can’t decide where to start, we suggest going with Kong. Whether you want the simple kibble-based Kong Wobbler, the Stuff-a-Ball, or the classic Kong, Kong really has your bases covered.

I find the Kong Stuff-a-Ball to be the most “foolproof” toy of the lot, especially for dogs that are new to puzzle toys. It offers a broad range of stimulation and skill usage, and gives adult dogs and teething puppies an outlet for chewing.

For the level of occupation it provides, combined with the lack of training input on your part, the Kong Stuff-a-Ball is an ideal beginner or intermediate puzzle toy.

Also, considering its low price range, it’s not a big loss if your dog decides they don’t like it. It is a quality budget puzzle toy that suits a range of needs, making it the best option for new puzzle toy buyers.

K9 of Mine’s on-staff trainer, Kayla, travels the world with her border collie, Barley. When she packed Barley’s bag for the big trip, she chose to bring the Kong Wobbler instead of a food bowl or any other puzzle toy. It’s easy to clean, indestructible, and there are no parts for her to lose while traveling. While Barley still misses his Snuffle Mat and a few other puzzle toys, the Kong Wobbler’s wacky motion keeps him entertained every single day!

Benefits of Puzzle Toys For Dogs

Why do owners choose puzzle toys to occupy your dog over chewy treats or self-amusement toys (like textured squeaky toys )?

  • Keep Your Dog Occupied For Long Periods. For one thing, pup  puzzle toys can keep your dog occupied for a longer amount of time than even the squeakiest stuffed squirrel. A high-energy dog isn’t just in need of a reward (e.g., the squeaky sound, or the taste of the treat): they need to work for it! For dogs, the promise of food rewards can keep your dog engaged for huge stretches of time.
  • Release Happy Hormones. Sniffing for food releases dopamine into your dog’s brain. This hormone makes your dog feel relaxed and happy. Puzzle toys that are scent-based are extra good at making your dog feel better, but any puzzle toy that engages your dog’s “seeking pathway” of the brain will do the trick!
  • Prevent Destructive Behavior. Helping a dog focus their energy on an involving puzzle toy helps prevent them from turning to destructive or undesirable behaviors such as chewing furniture, nuisance barking, or begging.
  • Combat Boredom & Loneliness. Dogs need mental enrichment, just like people do. Especially during times when your dog is alone for long stretches , it’s important that they can occupy themselves and not get bored.

best puzzle toys for dogs

  • Provide Mental Stimulation. Like humans, dogs want to keep busy and can become neurotic or depressed when they don’t have enough opportunities to stimulate themselves.   Imagine being stuck at the doctor’s waiting room with no magazine and a dead mobile phone – you’d be bored stiff (and dogs don’t even have  smartphones – only those old brick Nokias, poor things).
  • Exhaust Pent Up Energy. Regular exercise is a great first step for getting rid of physical energy (a doggy treadmill does wonders as well), but an energetic, intelligent dog can be harder to satisfy. Whether you want to build your dog’s mental acuity, help them release some energy, or present a challenge, puzzle toys are an appealing option.

Puzzle Rewards + Your Dog’s Diet: Don’t Let Fido Get Fat!

Most dog puzzle toys involve food as the reward for “solving” the puzzle. This is highly motivating for dogs, especially for canines who are especially food-obsessed.

While food rewards can work wonders, and dog treats can make training a breeze , remember that it’s easy to overfeed your four-legged pal. It’s also much easier to overfeed your pooch than you’d think (just as it’s pretty easy to overfeed yourself when Dominos is running a 2 for 1 large pizza special).

Prevent your dog from gaining too much weight:

best-interactive-dog-toys

  • Use Visual Aids.  Not sure if your dog is on the chunkier side or not? There are many visual aids available to help you monitor your dog’s weight, including on the back of most dog food bags.

Your dog should have a visible waist, and their abdomen should tuck upwards when viewed from the side. You should also be able to feel your dog’s ribs beneath a light layer of fat.

  • Keep Breed In Mind. It’s also worth noting that appropriate weight can vary between breeds. I used to always think that my Doberman/Lab mix Benzy was too skinny since I could see his ribs, and was constantly trying to fatten him up . After discussing his weight with our vet, I learned that Benzy was at a perfect weight – his skinny, sleek look was just part of his genetic makeup.
  • Measure Out Puzzle Toy Treats.  To avoid having your pooch develop a potbelly when incorporating puzzle toys, make sure to count or measure out the treats or kibble the toy uses as a reward .

If your dog chows down the allotted amount in a flash, it’s time to switch to a more challenging toy – don’t just fill up the toy, or you’ll end up with a chubby canine.

  • Puzzle Time Can Be Dinner Time Too! You can also use puzzle toys as a method for your dog to “earn” their dinner. Put their usual meal amount of kibble into the toy and let them work for it. This is also a great solution for dogs that eat too fast or beg after they finish their meal. K9 of Mine’s on-staff dog trainer, Kayla Fratt, is a huge advocate for tossing your dog’s food bowl . Why just use a puzzle toy for treats, when you can feed a whole meal?

Many owners also choose to put their dog’s meals into a Kong ball and then freeze it , which also prevents dogs from gobbling their kibble in an instant.

While chunky pups can be cute, it’s important to keep your furry pal trim to ensure that they stay active, healthy, and feel great! Overweight pets have many of the same health concerns as overweight humans.

Want to see a canine puzzle toy in action? Check out Shiba Inu Saki play with Nina Ottosson’s Brick Puzzle toy (which we discuss in detail below).

When Dog Puzzle Toys Won’t Cut It

Dog puzzle toys can help canines that are destructive or anxious put their energy into something constructive and beneficial. However, you’ll want to avoid using dog puzzle toys as a bandaid solution for your dog’s vast and varied canine needs.

When considering incorporating puzzle toys into your pup’s playtime, keep these tips in mind.

  • No Substitute for Socializing.  Puzzle toys are great, but they are   never a full substitute for social interaction. Dogs are extremely  social creatures, and your dog still needs to interact with humans and other dogs on a regular basis to optimize their mental health and behavior.

Binging alone through 5 seasons of Arrested Development on Netflix is fun, but it’s not the same as a long conversation over coffee with a friend (or in a dog’s case, a good butt-sniffing at the park).

best mentally challenging dog toys

  • Dog’s Still Need Exercise. Puzzle toys are also not a full substitute for exercise. Some dogs just need to run until they drop, and no amount of Trivial Pursuit or Rubix’s Cube action will change that.
  • Not An Easy Answer To Separation Anxiety. Dogs with serious separation anxiety may not be appeased by puzzle toys. While boredom can often be quelled by puzzle toys, separation anxiety can have some deep-rooted causes that shouldn’t go unaddressed. Owners should consider professional training or thorough research on curing separation anxiety DIY style .
  • Frustration vs Aggression. Another important issue is the difference between doggie frustration (due to too much energy) and aggression. Puzzle toys won’t “fix” a dog with food aggression or other types of social misbehaviors. These types of more serious issues often require professional assistance. While we have some resources for working with aggressive dogs and dogs that resource guar d, you will do best getting help from a pro.

Look for a trainer with a certification from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants ( IAABC ) or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers ( CCPDT ), which are widely accredited organizations within the US.

Dog Puzzle Toys FAQ

What puzzle toys are most challenging for smart dogs.

Look for puzzle toys with adjustable difficulty levels that allow owners to increase the challenge to make the puzzle tougher! Examples of puzzle toys that have this option are the CleverPet and the Trixie Dog Chess.

What can you put in a puzzle toy?

Puzzle toys can be filled with treats (the stinkier, the better) or even just your dog’s regular kibble.

What are the best indestructible puzzle toys?

If you’re looking for a tough, indestructible puzzle toy, anything by Kong is usually a safe bet.

The Classic Kong and Kong Wobbler are both great choices since they are made of whole, single pieces instead of several smaller, removable pieces, which is common with many other puzzle toys.

What are your favorite dog puzzle toys that you use with your dog? Any top picks we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Meg Marrs is the Founder and Director of Marketing at K9 of Mine. She is a lifelong canine enthusiast and adores dogs of all shapes and sizes! She loves iced coffee, hammocks, and puppy-cuddling!

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12 Comments

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November 4, 2021

There is a company named West Paw that has lots of toys to stuff. Made in America, and tough non toxic material. They even have a Toy Cook Book with lots of ideas to stuff their toys.

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November 5, 2021

We’re quite familiar with and fond of West Paw, Kathy. We talk about them a lot in our Best Dog Toy Brands article . Thanks for mentioning them, though! 🙂

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December 10, 2019

I was advised by a dog behaviourist, some time ago, to spread his food over the floor. I will now start spreading it over the backyard among the grass. Will also look for a shag for wet weather. Thank you for your article.

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September 13, 2019

This was the GREATEST article. I’m prepping for my aussie to come home and buying him toys before he arrives. I love this! So educational – I appreciate it!

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June 3, 2019

With the nina interactive puzzle I’m worried that my dog mite chew the parts and destroy the whole puzzle

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May 2, 2019

Thanks so much for this excellent and useful article. I’m definitely going to buy 3 or 4 of the items! I know that they’ll be great for our dog.

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March 18, 2019

The Triple Twist Dog IQ Puzzled by Seek-A-Treat is a 3 layer wood circular about one foot in diameter. Each circular opening layer is independent of the others and has six or so inch wide pockets to place treats or kibble. It is impossible to line up all three layers, so my dog pushes and spins each layer looking for anything from a tiny carrot piece, kibble pieces, treats, and leave some empty. Only con: the top spin cover is not wood and when I wasn’t watching my dog chewed the edges of it like it was thin cardboard. But I should have watched as I know the length of time it takes him to complete the puzzle. We found ours at Pet Palance locally.

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December 10, 2018

Thanks! Going to try out a few of these. My pup is an ultra chewer, so Kong doesn’t work (even their extreme level met it’s end in one day). But hoping the ones that are more of a puzzle can help entertain her.

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December 11, 2018

Good luck! We’d love to hear how it goes.

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October 23, 2018

My dog likes his Kibble Nibble and his Tug-a-Jug. But by far our favorite is Starmark Academy’s Treat Dispensing Puzzle Ball, however I would also recommend their Bento Ball and their other toys as well.

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September 1, 2018

Thank you so much for the great puzzle toys for dogs. I just adopted a Toy Poodle and I have read that they are very smart and if their brains aren’t challenged, they can get bored and depressed. You have given me such wonderful suggestions. I love playing with her but I enjoy even more to see her entertain herself because I know that she is having fun when I have to go somewhere. I can’t thank you enough and keep up your great suggestions!

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August 13, 2018

I LOVE this article and totally agree with you! I just have not had the time to write this out myself. I have a private group on fb “ditch the dish”. Thank you and I am going to share this!

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12 Interactive Dog Toys and Puzzles for the Smartest Pets of Them All

Roxanna is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com.

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According to Stanley Coren, PhD, from the University of British Columbia, the average dog has the same level of intelligence as a two-year-old human child . At a 2009 convention, Coren spoke at an American Psychological Association (APA) convention and explained that household pups have the ability to understand more than 150 words. "There are three types of dog intelligence: instinctive (what the dog is bred to do), adaptive (how well the dog learns from its environment to solve problems), and working and obedience (the equivalent of 'school learning')," he said at the time. Different breeds of dogs show varying levels of intelligence, but his research concludes that the smartest dogs compare to the intelligence of human toddlers.

Based on other research from 2016, our canine companions have a cognitive structure similar to us. Dogs learn by example, like we do, but they can figure out problems on their own as well. Most of us know that our dogs are more likely to get into trouble when they're unoccupied with nothing to do. Walking our dogs is a good daily regimen, but that's not the only thing we should be doing to keep our pups healthy. "Dogs need mental exercise," says Brian Kilcommons, dog trainer and owner of Great Pets Resort . We can enrich their lives by providing toys that offer interactive play or require problem solving.

Puzzle toys have enclaves to hide toys or homemade treats , allowing your dog to "hunt" for the item. Other games allow your dog to play fetch or "chase" games all by themselves. Of course, you still want to spend play time with your canine pal, but these toys give your dogs the opportunity to solve problems on their own. You'll have the smartest dog in the neighborhood.

What toy should every canine have in their toy box? The best-selling Odin is one of the most durable treat dispensers. Place a kibble (or up to a cup of food) inside of the toy and let your pup work to get it out. Its modular design allows for two or more toys to be connected to change playtime.

Shop Now: Up Dog Toys "The Odin" Treat Puzzle Toy, in Gray, $23, amazon.com .

This toy features a custom falcon-claw design with two treat cavities—for both dry food (like kibble) and spreads (like peanut butter) simultaneously—while the interlocking shape allows multiple toys to combine for added functionality. The modern colors blend into any décor while also optimizing for your dog's visible color spectrum.

Shop Now: Fable Falcon Toy, $23, fablepets.com .

Wild One Toy Kit

This bundle comes with three toys: the Triangle Tug, the Bolt Bite, and the Twist Toss. Since it's not a perfect sphere, the ball will bounce in an unpredictable manner. This means that your dog will have to act fast in order to catch it. You can hide chew treats inside of the toy for an extra reward. The rubber is 100 percent natural and completely BPA-free, so you know your dog is getting the best.

Shop Now: Wild One Toy Kit, in Tan, $58, wildone.com .

This is an innovative puzzle for dogs, offered at three levels of difficulty appropriate for your dog. To play, your dog nudges the movable tiles to find the hidden treats.

Shop Now: My Intelligent Pets "Genie" Dog Sudoku, in Medium, $52, myintelligentpets.com .

The Flip Board

To prep this game for play, hide treats in the compartments. (Not every compartment will have a treat, so your dog will need to be able to figure out which ones do.) If he pushes the right levers with his paw, he can find a savory surprise. This game is designed for dogs that have intermediate puzzle-solving skills, and you should supervise your dog's playtime with this one.

Shop Now: Trixie Pet Products Flip Board, $11, amazon.com .

Who knew there was a way to play fetch with your pup while you're at work? The iFetch is an automatic ball launcher that kicks on when your dog drops a ball in its chute—throwing a ball up to 30 feet every time it brings it back.

Shop Now: iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher, starting from $130, amazon.com .

Wickedbone Smart Bone

Looking for the perfect toy for your pup when you're away at work? This motorized Smart Bone lets you control its speed and movements straight from your smartphone, so you can play with your dog remotely.

Shop Now: Wickedbone Smart Bone, $99, amazon.com .

Tether Tug Outdoor Dog Toy

Now, your dog can engage in some stimulating "solo" play in the backyard. Securely attach the bungee cord to a tree or sturdy post so that your pup can play a game of tug-of-war. The bungee action means that your dog will be able to catch the rope more than once without the risk of losing it under the bushes or fence.

Shop Now: Tether Tug Outdoor Dog Toy, starting from $65, petco.com .

Hide N' Slide Interactive Dog Toy

Once your dog is ready to graduate to harder games, give this one a try. The bone-shaped pegs can "lock" the treat drawers so that your dog has to figure out how to "unlock" them. You can also leave the drawers unlocked. Your dog can use his nose or his paws to find the treats.

Shop Now: Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Hide N' Slide Interactive Dog Toy, $15.15, chewy.com .

Zippy Burrow Log with Three Chipmunks

Cute plush squirrels hide within a plush tree stump. Each squirrel has a squeaker inside that your dog will find irresistible! Your pup will love trying to get the squirrels out of the tree. Make it more interactive by also playing a game of fetch using the squirrels.

Shop Now: Zippy Burrow Log with Three Chipmunks, $20, zippypaws.com .

StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy

The larger chamber in this toy can fit an entire meal! Your dog can work for his dinner with this game that provides an opportunity to hunt and solve problems. It's also great for helping your dog to not overeat.

Shop Now: StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy, $11.19, chewy.com .

Snuffle Mat

All dogs have a natural foraging instinct, and this mat engages their sense of smell. Hide treats into the shaggy fabric so that your dog can hunt by smell. Let him stick his nose in the snuffle mat to find all the goodies. (Don't worry, it's machine-washable.) It reminds him of the great outdoors, but provides a tastier reward.

Shop Now: PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Mat, $40, amazon.com .

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18 Best Interactive Dog Puzzle Toys

Let the games begin.

Dog looking for treats in an interactive dog puzzle toy

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It’s a classic scenario: You’re trying to focus on an important task — like cooking, working, or catching up on Survivor — and your pup is wanting all the attention… all the time. If you have a restless dog with a lot of energy to burn, dog puzzle toys and brain games are a great solution.

“Many dogs are under-stimulated and under-exercised...or pretty bored. They don’t have phones or watch TV,” says Stacy Alldredge, certified dog trainer, behaviorist, and founder of Who’s Walking Who opens in a new tab . Dog puzzles and “interactive toys are a great way to give your dog something to do. They’re also a way for kids to do something with a dog that doesn’t make them mouthy and jumpy.”

A dog sitting on a couch with a sudoku game on the floor.

Sudoku Is the Newest Brain Game for Dogs opens in a new tab

Let your dog win.

Types of interactive and puzzle dog toys

In addition to the mental stimulation that a dog gets from interacting with a puzzle toy, playing and chewing releases feel-good chemicals in the brain, which keeps dogs happy, busy, and using up energy. Dog puzzles and interactive toys come in a variety of styles and skill levels that any dog can benefit from.

Durable treat dispensing balls are popular for solitary play. The dog rolls around the ball to release food.

Slow-feeder food cubes and pyramids, such as Kong and Fable Pets opens in a new tab , require dogs to knock over the treat dispenser to get food.

With chew-puzzle toys, dogs need to chew and manipulate the toy to extract their reward.

Treat-puzzle games are interactive dog toys that require pups to flip open doors and lift compartments, using their paws and nose to find the hidden treats.

If your dog needs encouragement, make the toys more appealing by rubbing something tasty on them, such as peanut butter opens in a new tab . When you first introduce your dog to puzzle toys, make it easy for them to get the treats, then gradually increase the difficulty so that they learn how to extract the food. Otherwise, your dog may get frustrated, leading to the opposite of what is intended through enrichment and mental stimulation.

dog problem solving toys

This Pastel Toy Belongs in a Taylor Swift Music Video opens in a new tab

Once your dog gets ahold of this gorgeous toy, they’re gonna “ need to calm down ” for sure.

Choosing the best puzzle toy for your dog

Not all toys are the same, and not all dogs will respond to the same toys. If your dog needs activity, try a treat game that slowly dispenses treats or kibble while they chase it around the house (preferably away from where you’re working). “Some dogs will eat out of a puzzle toy but not out of a bowl,” Alldredge says. If your dog does not have that problem, but rather is such a fast eater that they make themselves sick, try a snuffle mat that replicates foraging behavior and slows mealtime down. If your dog needs confidence building opens in a new tab , try a simple puzzle game and gradually work them up to more difficult ones.

“A few years ago, I bought one of every dog puzzle game on the market,” Alldredge says. “And wow — some of them, like the Nina Ottosson opens in a new tab ones, were so hard to figure out!” Puzzle toys aren’t just for puppies, either. “The biggest mistake people make is forgetting that adult dogs need entertainment, too.” Below, the top 18 best dog puzzle toys. Let the games begin!

Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)

18 best interactive dog puzzle toys

fable the game

The high-design accessory brand’s first foray into puzzle toys holds 1 1 /2 cups of food, making this one ideal for fast eaters who need a side of stimulation — both mental and physical.

the paw feeder in three colors

If your pup has a habit of scarfing down their food and regurgitating it, you may be in need of a lick pad. This lick pad is tons of fun, plus helps keep their dinnertime excitement from turning into a two-part affair.

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the interactive dog puzzle toy in yellow and blue

Using 12 hidden compartments and three dog-bone covers, the latest from cult-favorite dog brand Outward Hound allows pet owners to adjust the toy’s difficulty to meet their pup’s needs. Just getting started? No problem. With this toy, it’s easy to work up to more advanced dog puzzles.

Nina Ottosson, the mastermind behind this toy, is all about exercising your pup’s brain with the help of puzzles. “My goal is for dogs and their owners around the world to have fun with my products,” Ottosson told The Wildest opens in a new tab . “I call them ‘games’ because the owner and the pet are supposed to play together, which strengthens the bond between them.”

the tennis ball toys in different colors

This Wild One opens in a new tab toy is ideal for the dog who has chewed more tennis balls than Rafa Nadal has seen in his life. It’ll help slow the destruction process by keeping the object of your pup’s affection just out of reach, offering a satisfying reward when they finally wriggle it free.

awoof snuffle mat

This snuffle mat is perfect for pups who want a little extra mental stimulation at dinnertime. Just scatter treats or kibble throughout the felt mat and watch them explore.

“Snuffle mats are a great way to provide enrichment and entertainment by helping dogs use their amazing sense of smell to find the hidden food. Sniff-based mental stimulation can help promote overall relaxation in dogs, as well,” veterinary behaviorist Dr. Valli Parthasarathy told The Wildest opens in a new tab .

west paw toppl toy

While this toy may seem small enough for a pup to conquer, its inner ridges keep pets from accessing their kibble without putting in the time and effort to unlock it. It’ll tucker your dog out and requires some serious concentration as they work to access their well-earned reward.

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red rock toy

This favorite is ideal for larger pups who enjoy gnawing on everything from chair legs to couch cushions to — more appropriately but not great opens in a new tab — tennis balls. Its irregular shape allows your pup to nose it around for hours and never tire of it.

iDig mat

For super energetic pups, the iDig is where it’s at. This toy allows pet parents to hide treats and kibble under the flap, so pups can let out some of those zoomies opens in a new tab by digging their way to the prize.

“Diggers need to dig,” trainer and The Wildest Collective member Nicole Ellis told The Wildest opens in a new tab . “I often hear frustration from pet parents about their  dogs digging opens in a new tab  in the yard, couch, and on the bed. Dogs naturally love to dig; it’s an innate desire. Instead of reprimanding your dog(s) for digging, give them somewhere to dig. And yes, even  cats love this toy opens in a new tab !”

Lambwolf baguette

We had you at “baguette,” right? It gets even better. This adorable nosework toy by Lambwolf is ideal for enrichment, with two large squeakers and four pockets for hiding treats.

  • Women Owned opens in a new tab

dog problem solving toys

For dogs who benefit from a more complicated treat-dispensing, scent-releasing toy, this is it. It also works as an added layer of complication for games of fetch.

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson brick toy

This intermediate level two design by Nina Ottosson includes additional obstacles and step combinations. It’s perfect for extra curious pups.

red wobbler interactive kong toy

Kongs are less about solving a puzzle than keeping a dog busy. Fill this toy with your pup’s favorite treats, and they can bat it around for a fun interactive experience that will help keep their separation anxiety at bay opens in a new tab when you leave the house.

“From puppies to seniors, everyone can enjoy a Kong,” Ellis added opens in a new tab . “Studies have taught us that licking and chewing help release stress in dogs, and the Kong helps achieve that while allowing your pup to have fun. It also helps our dog get some mental enrichment and learn to settle and focus on something.”

toy shaped like carrot

Let’s face it, half the toys we buy for our pets are because they’re just downright fun to look at — and this Petstages carrot toy is no exception. It’ll massage your pup’s gums and help remove plaque while keeping them entertained and out of trouble, which is a win-win if we’ve ever heard of one.

interactive feeder in blue and white with kibble

This very pretty slow feeder will stimulate your pup’s mind and also slow their roll while they feast upon their dinner.

Behaviorist Karen London opens in a new tab weighed in on why she loves slow feeders opens in a new tab for pups: “My favorite way to keep dogs from scarfing down their food too quickly is to use a dog food puzzle or slow feeder dog bowl that is specific to this purpose ... Not only does this slow down their eating, but it also provides mental exercise and gives dogs valuable experience being persistent and handling a bit of frustration. Never a bad thing, right?”

dog problem solving toys

Squirrels and squeaks: two things that endlessly fascinate our dogs, together at last! You stuff the squeaky squirrels in the tree, and your dog’s job is to hunt all six of them down in a kind of hide and seek.

omega tricky ball

This “tricky” treat ball lives up to its name. All you have to do is insert your dog’s favorite treats into the ball, and then let your pup have at it. They’ll push, roll, and paw the ball until the food falls out of the single hole. The simple design makes for hours of fun for your dog.

dog problem solving toys

This subscription box is made for dogs who love to chew. Beyond meaty chews and full-size bags of treats, these come with two fluff-free, ultra-durable toys, such as a treat-dispensing acorn. Did we mention they’re themed ?

dog problem solving toys

The internal maze of these colorful globes slowly dispenses treats, preventing boredom, and slowing down digestion.

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dog problem solving toys

Marisa Meltzer

Marisa Meltzer has contributed to The New York Times , Vogue , Vanity Fair , and is the author of This Is Big: How the Women Who Founded Weight Watchers Changed the World (and Me) . She lives in New York City with her dog Joan.

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ZippyPaws - SmartyPaws - Puzzler Dog Toy - 3 in 1 Interactive Dog Toy Puzzle, Teaches Problem Solving Skills, Teal

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ZippyPaws - SmartyPaws - Puzzler Dog Toy - 3 in 1 Interactive Dog Toy Puzzle, Teaches Problem Solving Skills, Teal

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  • 3 In 1 Interactive Puzzle- Features three levels of play to keep your dog entertained - slide, rotate, and flip!
  • Entertains Your Dog- Teach your dog problem solving skills as they work their way through each level of play
  • Treat Motivated Entertainment- Designed with six pockets to fit kibble or treats, your dog will love the challenge
  • Easy To Clean- Our puzzler is dishwasher safe so it’s easy to care for after play time
  • Unique Design - Beautifully-designed, high-quality pet products for the modern dog and dog owner.

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Together — through beautifully designed products and a community devoted to giving their pets the best life has to offer — we promise to cultivate curiosity, harness innovation and keep tails wagging. All without costing an arm and a paw.

Designed by dog people, for dog people with three simple values behind everything: design, value and safety.

ZippyPaws - Crawlers, 6-Squeaker Plush Dog Toy - Slowpoke The Turtle

The story of ZippyPaws starts with a love story between a girl and her dog. Co-founder Jen Glaser started ZippyPaws in 2011. Inspired by her Golden Retriever JJ, she recognized a need for dog toys that were both safe and aesthetically pleasing. The toys were an embodiment of everything JJ was: playful, colorful and full of fun!

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It started with JJ

ZippyPaws' co-founder Jen adopted an adorable golden retriever puppy in 2003. Being the friendly puppy he was, JJ quickly won the hearts of everyone he met. Some of his favorite activities include sleeping with his paws in the air, rolling in the grass, and playing with squeaky plush toys.

As a business student at the University of Southern California, Jen wanted to leverage her family's 20 years' of manufacturing experience in the pet industry and her strong design background to create a boutique brand of pet products. ZippyPaws was established in 2011 and ever since we have created toys that embody JJ's best qualities: playful, colorful, and loads of fun!

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  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.63 x 0.98 x 10.63 inches; 13.44 ounces
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ ZP434
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ July 21, 2020
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Zippy Paws
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08DDF424G
  • #422 in Dog Slow Feeders

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality and fun of the pet toy. They mention that it's cute and a fun, mentally stimulating game that keeps their pets entertained and out of trouble. They do, however, disagree on the durability.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers have good things to say about the fun of the pet toy. They say that it is a mentally stimulating game that keeps their pets busy and happy for a long time. Customers also say that the toy is easy to use and gives their pets a workout.

"...They figured it out in no time, but it gives their brain a work out ." Read more

"...The first was for our dogs. This one was a gift. It is fun to watch them figure it out . We take it away and then bring it back out again...." Read more

"...This is definitely a fun , mentally stimulating game for my dog and watching her do it is adorable." Read more

"My puppy loves this! It is a good distraction for him . Worth every penny." Read more

Customers like the quality of the pet toy. They say it's hard to clean, but cute and a great idea.

"...Could be my next line of Amazon products if the demand is there. Cool idea and my dog figured it out pretty quick...." Read more

"...definitely a fun, mentally stimulating game for my dog and watching her do it is adorable ." Read more

"hard to clean, but so cute ,,..." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the durability of the pet toy. Some say that it is durable, while others say that its not durable at all and that their pet chews it up.

"...She learned super fast how to get the treats out of it. It is durable . I highly recommend it!" Read more

"...Only downside is she uses her teeth to open the flaps and chews them up . Other than that I continue to buy this product!" Read more

"...She picks it up and turns it over. So far it has not broken ." Read more

"This item is not durable at all . My dog chewed thru this on the first time using it. She had this for less than 30 minutes...." Read more

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The Best 12 Interactive Dog Toys to Keep Your Canine Busy

By Katelyn Son | Updated January 09, 2024

Reviewed by: Ivana Crnec, DVM

interactive dog toys

If you buy something from a link on our site, we may earn a commission. See our advertising disclosure.

  • Best Overall Interactive Dog Toy: Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy Easy to play with, this interactive dog toy helps correct eating habits while being fun.
  • Best Motion Activated Interactive Dog Toy: BENTOPAL Motion Activated Interactive Dog Toy This motion-activated interactive dog toy keeps your dog engaged and reminds them to play every 1.5 hours.
  • Best Automatic Interactive Dog Toy: VARRAM Pet Fitness Robot: Interactive Treat Dispenser This interactive treat dispenser moves around and flaunts an elegant, futuristic, and durable design.
  • Simplest Interactive Dog Toy: KONG Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy This easy-to-use treat dispensing dog toy is durable, fun, made in the USA, and safe to put in the dishwasher for cleaning.
  • Best Interactive Dog Toy for Solo Play: Outward Hound Treat Maze Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy This interactive puzzle dog toy is high-quality, durable, and provides mental enrichment while dispensing tasty dog treats.
  • Best Puzzle-Type of Interactive Dog Toy: Outward Hound Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy This is another interactive treat puzzle dog toy that will keep your dog busy and mentally stimulated for hours.
  • Best Interactive Dog Toy for Dental Health: PetSafe Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug Meal-Dispensing Dog Toy This durable dog toy is perfect for heavy chewers and provides mental stimulation while supporting dental hygiene.
  • Best Chew-Type Interactive Dog Toy: PetSafe Busy Buddy Bristle Bone Chew Toy for Dogs This durable and bone-shaped dog chew toy provides interactive fun while supporting dental health and fresh breath.
  • Best Tug-of-War Interactive Dog Toy: Suction Cup Interactive Dog Toy Indestructible interactive dog toy consisting of a suction cup that holds the ball firmly and dispenses treats while playing with it.
  • Best Interactive Dog Toy for Hyper Pets: Hyper Pet Doggie Tail Interactive Plush Dog Toy This simple and plush interactive dog toy is rechargeable, engaging, and keeps your dog happy and stimulated.
  • Cutest Interactive Dog Toy: ZippyPaws Woodland Friends Burrow Interactive Dog Toy This plush dog toy packs hide and seek fun and comes with three cute bears that can be hidden in the log.
  • Most Sustainable Interactive Dog Toy: Paw 5 Dog Snuffle Mat for Dogs This snuffle mat-type of interactive dog toy teaches slow eating, is eco-friendly, and is easy to use.

Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy

Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy

  • Weighted bottom wobbles. New adjustment gate on the bottom accommodates a larger kibble size and is easier to adjust.
  • Adjustable treat dispensing toy.
  • Large chamber fits whole meals.

Yes, interactive dog toys work. Interactive toys provide your dog hours of fun (leaving you free to go about doing your own thing). Plus, they are mentally stimulating.

Interactive puppy toys are great for brain development and can at times work as emotional aid for pups suffering from anxiety and stress. Interactive dog toys work for seniors, too, as keeping the mind sharp delays the onset of canine cognitive dysfunction.

Interactive dog toys are toys that a dog interacts with and gets a reaction out of. In other words, they keep dogs engaged for longer than a normal dog toy would. The interaction is mentally stimulating.

For example, a toy that dispenses a treat when the dog plays will keep the dog busy while stimulating its mind. On the other hand, the regular tennis ball is not an interactive dog toy.

Because of the engagement factor, interactive dog toys are suitable for anxious dogs. They can even keep a dog with separation anxiety occupied, thus preventing stress.

According to Animal Wellness Magazine, there are six types of interactive dog toys. Let’s take a closer look at each type:

  • Vessel Toys. Vessel toys require the dog to get a piece of treat or kibble using its mind and mouth. They come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors.
  • Sensory Toys. Sensory toys are designed to stimulate the dog’s senses. They can be as simple as squeaky toys or as complex as phone-operated robots.
  • Treat-Dispensing Toys. Treat dispensers encourage dogs to use their paws and noses to extract a treat. They slow down mealtime and support healthy eating habits.
  • Ball Launching Toys. Ball launchers are high-tech gadgets that replace you in the classic fetch game. They keep the dog physically active and entertained.
  • Puzzle Toys. Puzzle toys feature many tools like levers, drawers, knobs, and buttons the dog has to use in a certain way to achieve the goal (usually in the form of a treat).
  • Video Games. This is the most top-notch type of dog toy as it features sensors that get active and lure dogs with sounds and colors while dispensing treats.

There are several benefits to getting your dog an interactive dog toy:

  • Mental Stimulation. Interactive toys provide dogs with high-quality mental stimulation, thus strengthening their cognition and brain skills. In the long run, this may help delay the onset of dementia (canine cognitive dysfunction).
  • Easy Entertainment. If you have a lone dog, you don’t always have time to play with it. Getting an interactive toy made of natural rubber or other dog-friendly material will let it entertain on its own.
  • Physical Stimulation. Interactive toys stimulate the body too – they keep the dog active and on the go. This is vital for maintaining a healthy body weight and keeping your pet in goog shape.
  • Relieves Anxiety. Interactive dog toys give dogs a sense of comfort and security. When interacting, dogs are occupied and less likely to become stressed. Indirectly, this helps curb unwanted destructive behaviors.

Let’s have a look at the best interactive dog toys for your dog’s playtime.

Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy

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Toy Type: Treat dispenser toy

Life Stage: Adult, puppy, senior

Summary: Great for small dogs, the Starkmark treat-dispensing Bob-a-lot dog toy is easy to adjust, dispenses dog food worth of kibble, and teaches your dog to eat at a fun and slowed pace. All in all, it makes an excellent and boosting IQ treat ball.

  • High-quality and durable plastic
  • Makes mealtime fun and slow
  • Provides mentally stimulation
  • Can be used as a training tool
  • Suitable for small and large dogs
  • The adjustable hole can get loose

Review: With a 4.4 star out of 5 stars on Amazon, the Starmark treat-dispensing toy is a favorite among customers and our top pick for the best interactive dog toy.

BENTOPAL Motion Activated Interactive Dog Toy

BENTOPAL Motion Activated Interactive Dog Toy

Toy Type: Electronic toy

Life Stage: Adult

Summary: With two fun modes that make it bounce and roll, the BENTOPAL motion-activated interactive dog toy has a touch-to-wake feature, a long battery life, and reminds your pet to play every 1.5 hours. It can also be used for a game of fetch with your pooch.

  • Stimulates and prevents boredom
  • Motion-activated sensors
  • Two modes (rolls and bounces)
  • Rechargeable and lasting batteries (8 hours)
  • 30-day free return
  • Plastic may chip easily if chewed

Review: With a 3.8 out of 5-star rating on Amazon, the BENTOPAL interactive dog toy guarantees hours of fun and is described as technology at its best.

VARRAM Pet Fitness Robot: Interactive Treat Dispenser

VARRAM Pet Fitness Robot Interactive Treat Dispenser

Toy Type: Electronic treat dispensing toy

Life Stage: Puppy, adult

Summary: With its ability to move around and simultaneously dispense treats, the VARRAM Pet Fitness Robot has a sleek and durable design and accompanying app for easy use. Plus, is very fast to recharge.

  • Supports physical and mental health
  • Dispenses treats at set intervals
  • 16 different preset motions
  • Can work continuously for 4 hours
  • App for easy use and control
  • Not great on carpeted surfaces

Review: With a 3.8 out of a 5-star review on Amazon, this toy keeps your dog physically active and keeps them mentally happy.

KONG Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy

KONG Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy

Toy Type: Treat dispensing toy

Summary: With its simple design and easy-to-use make, the KONG Wobbler interactive treat dispensing dog toy can be filled with kibble or peanut butter by unscrewing the bottom. Plus, it is made of durable, food-grade material and is also dishwasher safe.

  • Simple and easy-to-use design
  • Long-lasting, food-grade polymer
  • Difficulty level that suits most dogs
  • The top screws off for filling
  • Made in the USA
  • Strong rubber smell

Review: With a 4.5 out of a 5-star rating on Amazon, not much needs to be said to elaborate on the greatness of the KONG wobbler interactive treat dispensing dog toy.

Outward Hound Treat Maze Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy

Outward Hound Treat Maze Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy

Toy Type: Treat dispensing puzzle toy

Life Stage: Puppy, adult, senior

Summary: Making your pet use its mind to solve the two-level puzzle, the Outward Hound hide-and-seek type of interactive puzzle game is something dogs love. Plus, the toy has a durable build, is easy to clean, and is simple to fill and play with. 

  • Mentally stimulating and engaging
  • Perfect for solo games
  • Brightly colored for better impact
  • BPA, PVC & Phthalate-free materials
  • Easy to clean and fill
  • Too easy to solve for large dogs

Review: With a 4.4 out of a 5-star review on Amazon, the Nina Ottosson puzzle game by Outward Hound seems to be a hit for both pets and their owners.

Outward Hound Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy

Outward Hound Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy

Toy Type: Puzzle toy

Summary: With its interactive puzzles and obstacles, the Outward Hound Dog Brick Puzzle Dog Toy mentally stimulates your dog, is easy to clean, made of safe material, and simple to refill and use. Plus, it encourages positive playing habits.

  • Works as a boredom buster
  • Provides mental stimulation
  • Made of safe and durable materials
  • Simple to use, fill, and clean
  • Often out of stock due to high demand

Review: With a 4.4 out of a 5-star rating on Amazon, the Outward Hound Dog Brick dog puzzle toy is fun and great for mental growth.

PetSafe Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug Meal-Dispensing Dog Toy

PetSafe Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug Meal-Dispensing Dog Toy

Summary: With its interesting shape and non-toxic make, the PetSafe Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug Meal-dispensing Dog toy dispenses kibble and is great for dog dental hygiene. This tug toy is a right fit for dogs weighing between 10 to 40 lbs.

  • High-quality materials and durable make
  • Unique and fun yet simple design
  • Promotes dental health and good breath
  • Extends mealtime and supports healthy eating
  • Ideal for dogs weighing between 10 and 40lbs
  • The rope is weak and may break easily

Review: With a 3.9 out of a 5-star review on Amazon, the PetSafe Busy Buddy Tug-a-jug Meal Dispensing dog toy promotes healthy eating habits and oral hygiene.

PetSafe Busy Buddy Bristle Bone Chew Toy for Dogs

PetSafe Busy Buddy Bristle Bone Chew Toy for Dogs

Toy Type: Chew Toy

Life Stage: Adult, puppy

Summary: With a cute design and universal suitability, the PetSafe Busy Buddy Bristle Bone chew toy is made of durable materials, dispenses goodies, and promotes dental health. It is a perfect pick for aggressive chewers.

  • Keeps dogs entertained
  • Natural rawhide and grain-free ingredients
  • Available in four different sizes
  • Comes with four pre-included treats
  • Suitable for heavy chewers
  • The bristles are too harsh for puppies

Review: With a 4.3 out of a 5-star review on Amazon, the PetSafe Busy Buddy Bristle Bone Chew Toy for Dogs is as good for your dog’s dental health as it is fun to play with.

Suction Cup Interactive Dog Toy

Suction Cup Interactive Dog Toy

Toy Type: Ball

Summary: With a super suction cup to hold it firm and a babble ball on a string attached, the Suction Cup Interactive dog toy withstands a pulling force of up to 200lbs. The dog ball has a squeaky component and is made of durable and safe materials.

  • Simple yet fun design
  • Tug-of-war type of interactive toy
  • Made of durable materials
  • Very easy to clean
  • The suction cup is not very strong on rough surfaces

Review: With a 4.6 out of a 5-star review on Amazon, the Suction Cup Interactive Dog Toy, with its simple yet timeless design, guarantees hours of fun for your furry companion.

Hyper Pet Doggie Tail Interactive Plush Dog Toy

Hyper Pet Doggie Tail Interactive Plush Dog Toy

Toy Type: Squeaky plush toy

Summary: With interactive motion play, a wiggling wobble body, and a loud squeaky feature, the Hyper Pet Doggie Tail Interactive Plush Dog toy is simple, battery-operated, and fun for dogs of all ages and sizes. It is best suited for hyperactive doggos.

  • Perfect for hyper dogs
  • Motion sensing play
  • Battery operated
  • More designs available
  • The squeaker is too loud

Review: With a 3.9 out of a 5-star review on Amazon, the Hyper Pet Doggie Tail Interactive Plush Toy, with its unique design and interactive play, is just the thing your dog needs.

ZippyPaws Woodland Friends Burrow Interactive Dog Toy

ZippyPaws Woodland Friends Burrow Interactive Dog Toy

Toy Type: Plush

Life Stage: Small adult, puppy

Summary: With hide-and-seek, interactive gameplay, the ZippyPaws Woodland Friends Burrow Interactive Dog Toy comes with three bears and one log. The bears can be hidden inside the log. The plush is machine washable and durable in make.

  • Hide and seek fun
  • Simple yet stimulating
  • Cute-looking overall design
  • Easy to clean
  • Durable and comfortable
  • Not suited for aggressive chewers

Review: With a 4.7 out of a 5-star review on Amazon, the ZippyPaws Woodland Friends Burrow Interactive Dog Toy is all you need for your dog.

Paw 5 Dog Snuffle Mat for Dogs

Paw 5 Dog Snuffle Mat for Dogs

Toy Type: Feeding mat

Summary: With a grass-like, easy-to-use design, the Paw 5 Dog Snuffle Mat and slow feeder for dogs is made of sustainable and ethically sourced material, 100% pet safe, durable, and super simple to clean (can be machine-washed).

  • Teaches slow eating habits
  • Handmade with organic cotton fibers
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly design
  • Stops destructive behavior
  • Machine-washable and easy to clean
  • The price is heftier than similar products

Review: With a 4.5 out of a 5-star review on Amazon, the Paw 5 Dog Snuffle mat for Dogs, with its easy-to-understand yet super fun to forage in design, is sure to have your dog thanking you for the purchase.

As a dog owner, there are several things to consider when choosing the right interactive dog toy. Here are the main factors:

  • Material. First, you need to check the materials used to make the interactive toy. Not all materials are equally safe. The materials also affect the overall quality of the dog toy.
  • Durability. High-quality interactive dog toys should be made of long-lasting materials and withstand prolonged chewing and playing.
  • Size. The size of the interactive dog toy must be in sync with your dog’s size. If the toy is too big, your dog cannot play, and if too small, it will get destroyed very quickly.
  • Purpose. Some interactive dog toys keep the dog physically active, while others support healthy eating habits. Get the type of toy your dog will benefit most from.
  • Price. Think of the interactive toy as something that needs to be regular replacement – dogs get bored or may destroy the toy. Check the price before purchasing.
  • Brand. Finally, get interactive dog toys from a reputable brand. To confirm the brand’s trustworthiness read reviews from other customers and check the guarantee.

Interactive dog toys are a great way to keep your dog entertained when they’re bored. They are also great for when you do not have time to play with your dog (playing tug-of-war or throwing your dog fetch toys is fun but time-consuming).

This is where the interactive dog toy kicks in – it keeps the dog engaged. Interactive toys can also promote healthy eating habits, maintain the dog’s teeth, support cognitive function, boost its problem-solving skills, and push the dog to be physically active.

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These interactive toys sharpen your dog's problem-solving skills while rewarding them with treats

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  • Outward Hound's Nina Ottosson Interactive Dog Toys challenge dogs with complex problems that are fun to solve. Dogs are rewarded with treats hidden inside the puzzles.
  • The popular dog puzzle toys tap into a dog's natural instincts to forage, scavenge, and problem-solve.
  • Outward Hound offers 10 interactive toy models available in three levels of difficulty, ranging in price from $11 to $26.

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A decade ago, when I was a dog lover working to become a professional dog trainer, a friend gifted me the Nina Ottosson Dog Casino toy . "My dog can't figure it out," she told me. "Maybe you can use it."

Inside the box was a blue plastic tray with drawers tucked into its sides. White bone shapes anchored to the top of the tray had to be moved in order for its corresponding drawer to open, revealing treats hidden inside.

I experimented on little Roo first. He sidled up to the toy, sniffing for the treats hidden in its drawers. I left the dog bones loose to start, making the game a little less complex until he got the hang of it. Half-an-hour later, Roo was moving bones and opening drawers like a champ.

If Roo could work through the Dog Casino in under an hour, what could Bentley, the smartest dog I knew, do? Watching the Australian Cattle Dog figure out how to approach and solve the problem at hand was 10 minutes of pure joy.

Not everyone excelled at the game, which Outward Hound scores a level 3 out of 3. Scully ran around the tray pawing and whining. Within two minutes she had given up. Charlie sniffed it twice, then returned to the couch. But I was hooked. Enrichment had taken on a whole new dimension.

Why many (but not all) dogs love Outward Hound's Nina Ottosson Interactive Dog Toys  

These dog puzzle toys are used for enrichment. The term refers to the activities and objects that provide mental stimulation and encourage a captive or domesticated animal to tap into the natural behaviors they (or their ancestors) would practice in the wild. For dogs, toys that promote scavenging, foraging, and problem-solving, as well as novel sights, scents, and experiences are considered enrichment.

Sold in three different skill levels — Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 — each Nina Ottosson puzzle requires a dog to problem-solve in order to earn a food reward. The Dog Tornado , for example, has four layers of bone-shaped trays that can be stocked with treats. To release it, the dog must rotate each layer.

Nina Ottosson Interactive Dog Toys are made of high-quality plastic or composite wood-plastic. Even though my Dog Casino regularly earned the scars left by hard-thinking doggy teeth and paws, it never succumbed to a serious injury. The toys are sturdily made. Fill their drawers and nooks with soft food or peanut butter, and they can even be frozen.

Drawbacks to Outward Hound's dog puzzle toys

I recently traded another trainer my much-loved Dog Casino for the Dog Twister , another Level 3 Nina Ottosson toy where the dog must move blocks around a round tray to locate the treats. For extra complexity, the blocks can be locked with pegs that the dog has to paw open before moving a block.

I introduced the Dog Twister to Ripley soon after. Not the most confident dog on the block, Ripley was uncertain. She considered the toy, sniffed it, retrieved a treat I uncovered for her and then sat staring at the humans like we'd set the whole thing up as an elaborate trick. Maybe she'll get the hang of it in time...

That's the way it goes with the Outward Hound's Nina Ottosson toys . Some dogs excel, others — usually less confident dogs or dogs whose intelligence may not be geared toward complex problem-solving — become confused and quickly give up. If the puzzles aren't a great fit for your dog, there are other options for play and stimulation including the Kong Classic or chew toys .

For those dogs that figure out Level 2 and Level 3 puzzle toys in short order, there's a different problem. Once they know how to solve the puzzle, they do it quickly and unceremoniously. The less of a challenge it presents, the less enriching it becomes over time. If only there were a puzzle toy library for exchanging Nina Ottosson Interactive Toys so boredom would never be an issue.

My only other issue with the toys is in the cleaning department. Though the material is easy to clean, with their rotating pieces and drawers, the puzzles are a challenge to scour properly and, once washed, never seem to completely dry out.

The bottom line

I love Outward Hound's Nina Ottosson Interactive Dog Toys for the enrichment they provide, but they are not for every dog. Those with drive and confidence will love these puzzles — at least until they've conquered them over and over. Those who are timid or unmotivated probably won't quite know what to do. For a smarty-pants dog, these toys are a win, but it's worth making an investment in several models  (from $10 to $25 per toy) and rotating them to keep the puzzles novel for as long as possible.

Pros: Provides a high level of enrichment and mental stimulation, sturdy and made of high-quality materials, 10 models with different levels of difficulty

Cons: Timid or less motivated dogs may not be interested, difficult to clean, sharp dogs may become bored with them once the puzzle has been solved several times

Subscribe to our newsletter. You can purchase syndication rights to this story here. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

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Best Puzzle Toys for Dogs : Banish Boredom

Updated: Dec 30, 2023

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Looking for ways to keep your dog entertained? Investing in a high quality dog puzzle toy could be the answer.

Puzzle or dog enrichment toys as they're otherwise known, have been specifically designed to exercise your dog's brain, provide endless opportunities for learning and amazingly can tire your four-legged friend out as much as a dog walk.

So why not add a cool new interactive dog puzzle toy to your collection ?

Dog with dog puzzle toy

At Smart Bark, we're always searching for new and interesting dog toys.

We are constantly testing and analysing dog puzzle toys and we regularly update this article with new toys that impress us. The most recent addition is #7 Nava & Me - Squares + Crosses Enrichment Toy for On-the-Go fun.

You can judge for yourself whether you like the look of the dog toy and we'll fill you in as best we can how difficult they are, how durable and how well they'll maintain your dog's interest.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Buying Advice for Dog Puzzle Toy s

Our Picks of t he Best Dog Puzzle Toys

1. Best for Beginners - KONG Gyro

2. Best for Enrichment - Pet Impact

3. Brilliant Boredom Buster - SodaPu p

4. Best for Treat Rewards - Bob-A-Lot

5. Best No-Treat Puzzle - Outward Houn d

6. Best Flexible Puzzle - K9 Connectables

7. Best for On-the-Go Fun - Nava & Me

8. Best for Canine Einsteins - Nina Ottosson

9. Best Dog Feeder Toy - Loobani

10. Best Challenging Puzzle - Nina Ottosson

11. Perfect for Solo Training - PetSafe

Tips for Using Puzzle Toys with Dogs

dog paw graphic

Buying Advice for Dog Puzzle Toys

Puzzle or interactive toys are very different from other dog toys. They're not for chewing, chasing or fetching, they are primarily aimed at learning and concentration.

With this in mind, you need to select a puzzle toy with a suitable challenge level to suit your dog. Let's face it, if the puzzle is too difficult they will become frustrated. Conversely if it's too easy they'll snuffle any treats on offer without getting any enrichment.

dog stimulation toys

Don't worry though, good puzzle toys have a degree of flexibility to make them harder or easier to suit your pup. Ultimately, puzzle toys do need a level of human input especially when your dog is being introduced to the toy.

Our review includes the best interactive dog puzzles sorted into three difficulty categories, to help you provide maximum enrichment for your dog, regardless of their problem solving skills.

Our Picks of the Best Dog Puzzle Toys

If you're looking for something simple, to keep your dog or puppy occupied whilst engaging their brain and making them work harder for their food, here are 3 easy, entry level puzzles.

1. Best for Beginners

The Gyro dog toy is a simple but well designed treat dispenser from the internationally renowned canine company KONG.

Puppy with Kong Gyro dog toy

This is a great introduction to dog puzzle toys as it doesn't involve a huge amount of strategy and the results are immediate.

The blue central sphere has a hole to release treats as your dog touches and spins it.

The smaller the treats the easier it is to leave a tasty trail as your dog nudges it around the kitchen floor.

There is an opportunity to make the Gyro more of a challenge for your dog by adding chunkier treats. The dispensing hole is approx. 2cm diameter (slightly smaller than a £1 coin).

The red outer ring slows the dispenser, stopping it from spinning out of control and sliding under your cupboards. The inner blue ball is transparent so you can see when it's empty and simply unscrews for easy cleaning.

Our one reservation would be Power Chewers ! As it's made from plastic not rubber, we wouldn't recommend this for any serious chewers out there. You may be better with the larger, heavier and more substantial Bob-A-Lot featured later in this review.

Like the Bob-a-Lot featured later, the KONG Gyro could even be used as a slow feeder or to entice fussy eaters if your dog shows some anxiety eating from a more traditional dog bowl .

We've found that the sheer movement element of the GYRO grabs your dogs attention and appears to make the food more interesting. Available in two sizes.

Reasons to Buy

+ Simple puzzle

+ Dispenses treats

+ Two sizes available

+ Easy to clean

+ Great value enrichment toy

Reasons to Avoid

- Limited challenge

- Not suitable for power chewers

Buying Options

2. best for enrichment.

Simply put, enrichment is anything that stimulates a dog's mind, engages their senses and encourages natural species-specific behaviour.

Enrichment Box for dogs from Pet Impact

Pet Impact have created a collection of 4 different toy types which together provide excellent physical and mental stimulation for your dog.

From snuffle mats to encourage your dog's natural foraging skills to lick mats to reduce stress and release endorphins it's a great toy combination.

Better still, n ot only is the Enrichment Box full of toys to keep your dog busy but it's created for dog lovers looking to reduce their environmental pawprint.

The box includes :-

⭐️ A Snuffle Mat

⭐️ Lick Mat

⭐️ Treat Dispensing Ball

+ Great value

+ 4 in 1 toy options

+ Environmentally friendly

- Not suitable for wet treats

3. Brilliant Boredom Buster

Durable treat dispensers are a super simple, cheap yet innovative idea to keep your dog entertained. Acting as a boredom buster, they are principally designed to fill with your dog’s favourite treat or food.

SodaPup Honey Pot treat dispenser for dogs

Winnie the Pooh would love this honey pot from SodaPup and we think your dog will too.

But don't be fooled by it's simplicity!

This honey pot will provide a tasty and fun game for your dog as they work around the pot to seek out every last titbit with their tongue.

The benefits don't stop there. If you have a greedy guzzler that can inhale their food, you could serve their whole meal from the honey pot to provide more of a challenge and to ultimately slow them down.

We love the Honey Pot design because it is incredibly easy to clean (much easier than a Kong), so you can fill it with kibble , wet or raw dog food and add a whole range of treats and supplements.

We've found for best results, mix some wet and dry foods. Peanut butter, Pure Paté and yoghurt act as excellent glues for dried foods and supplements.

SodaPup Honey Pot filled with dog foods

It's safe to say this one survived our photoshoot by the skin of its teeth !

If you want to keep your dog busy for longer, the treats can be frozen inside - great for the warmer summer months.

We think that this Honey Pot Treat Dispenser offers a great puzzle for older dogs and the perfect distraction for young dogs and puppies.

We are firm fans of the SodaPup range, including their amazing HoneyComb eBowl which we feature in the Best Dog Bowls for 2023 .

+ Promotes calm behaviour

+ Simple distraction

- Only works with food

If you searching for something to stretch your dog further, an intermediate dog puzzle will be perfect. There are often ways you can make these puzzles simpler or more complicated to suit your dog and of course you can adapt them as they learn and improve.

4. Best for Dry Treat Rewards

Starmark has been the world leader in pet education for over a decade, with award-winning training and behaviour tools developed by experts.

Filling the Bob-A-Lot dog toy with treats

We bought and tested the Starmark Bob-A-Lot interactive dog puzzle toy to see what all the fuss was about.

The Bob-A-Lot was surprisingly heavy and sturdy.It wobbles around the floor on it's weighted base and as your dog nudges with their nose and paws, it releases treats

Firstly you simply fill the top with your dog’s favourite treat, or if they have a kibble diet, you could put their whole meal inside.

Adjust the two openings to alter the difficulty to release the food and you're all set.

We loved that you have some flexibility to make your dog work harder an after some trial and error we were able to open the slots just enough to keep Freddie interested but make it challenging.

Dog with Bob-A-Lot dog puzzle

Great for 'chewers', it's a substantial toy and super durable.

Our one reservation when testing, is that it doesn't come apart for cleaning so we would recommend using hard, crunchy style treats that won't leave crumbs inside the toy.

It's worth noting that it's a great option for greedy guzzlers as it works as a slow feeder by increasing the time it takes your dog to consume their food.

Just be aware that it would only work with a kibble diet.

It's easy-to-fill and available in two sizes to suit puppies to large breed dogs.

+ Durable and not easy to chew

+ Flexible difficulty level

+ Could act as a slow feeder

- Moves around floor

- Doesn't come apart for cleaning

5. Best No-Treat Puzzle

Outward hound.

Dogs love to chase a squirrel although I'm not sure they'd know what to do if they managed to catch one! Here's a soft toy version of your dog's favourite pastime.

Hide-a-Squirrel dog puzzle toy

Simply stuff the squeaky squirrels in the tree trunk tube, and watch as your dog pull them out one by one.

It’s challenging as your dog needs to learn to nuzzle into each hole and pull their prized stuffed squirrel out.

It's difficult to find well-designed dog toys that look nice around your home as well as make your dog happy.

The Hide-a-Squirrel toy from Outward Hound is perfect, plus it offers a great alternative to a treat based puzzle.

Available in four different sizes to suit a range of dogs, we tested the medium size toy which measures approx. 17 x 15 cm and includes 3 squirrels.

Whilst we admit our cockapoo isn't a big chewer, the hide-a-squirrel dog toy has lasted extremely well with the log base and all three squirrels still in tact after a year.

We found with some added human interaction the Hide-a-Squirrel toy provides just the right engagement without losing your dog's interest.

+ Different sizes available

+ Well designed

+ Not treat dispensing

- Squirrels squeak!

6. Best Flexible Puzzle

K9 connectables.

K9 Connectables offer an innovative range of enrichment dog toys designed to encourage your dog to explore and use their natural instincts.

Dog with K9 Connectables dog toys

These brightly coloured, award-winning puzzle toys offer some unique play opportunities to enjoy with your dog.

Each element can slot and stack together offering different combinations to suit your dog and more importantly keep the toy new and interesting.

They offer two ranges to choose from - the original Gentle and newer Pro range which is designed for enthusiastic chewers.

It's worth noting that both ranges are interchangeable.

The perfect boredom buster to keep your dog entertained whilst you're busy, they can have a really positive effect on some of their more challenging canine behaviour seen in younger dogs and puppies.

K9 Connectable dog toy range

Along with custom bone-shaped dog treats, you can stuff the elements with dog-friendly peanut butter or even yoghurt to extend play as you would a KONG.

We love these puzzles because they offer you so much flexibility on just how difficult you want to make them.

This means they are suitable for a wide range of dogs and abilities from puppies to experienced older dogs.

Ultimately it's this flexibility which will keep the puzzle stimulating and enriching.

If you would like more information, read our deep-dive test and review of K9 Connectables .

+ Lots of flexibility

+ Extensive range

+ Tough options for chewers

- Pricier than some

Smart Bark can offer readers 10% off K9 Connectables.

Simply use discount code SMARTBARK at checkout

(If the price is listed in €, you can change to £ at the base of the page)

7. best for on-the-go fun, nava & me.

A NEW addition to our review is this fabric dog puzzle from Nava & Me - ideal for using on-the-go.

All the other dog puzzle toys featured in this article are ideal for using around your home, but what if you are looking for something to keep your dog occupied elsewhere ?

Fabric snuffle toy

We were really impressed by this gorgeous looking fabric puzzle from small UK company - Nava & Me.

The Squares + Crosses Enrichment Toy, is essentially a fabric pouch which unzips to reveal a series of fabric treat holders.

Nicely designed and well built, we t ested the larger of the two sizes, measuring 22 x 18cm and found it was light and small enough to fold into a large pocket or slot in your bag before leaving the house.

Nava & Me Squares + Crosses Enrichment Toy for dogs

With 18 treat slots available on 6 different strips, you simply pop a treat or piece of kibble in each hole. Push the strips back inside and you're ready to go.

We loved that you can hide treats in it before you leave the house and once you reach your destination whether that's the office, cafe or down the local, you simply grab it from your bag and lay it on the ground.

Loobani dog puzzle feeder

Working a bit like a snuffle mat, your dog needs to sniff out the treats and nose them out of the various holes.

In testing we found it kept Freddie interested for nearly 15 minutes. As your dog gets more confident with the concept, you could choose smaller treats to make them work harder.

Better still, the Squares + Crosses enrichment toy comes with two strong attachment loops so you could slip one under a chair leg. Ideal to use in small spaces, t his puzzle won't slide around the floor.

Uniquely designed, it's an eco-friendly option, as the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles. If it needs freshening up, simply machine wash on cold.

+ For On-the-Go enrichment

+ Available in two sizes

+ Supports a small UK company

- Can only use with dry treats

Now for something aimed at more experienced dogs or those who need a real challenge!

8. Best for Canine Einsteins

Nina ottosson.

The first of two trickier dog puzzle toys from the Nina Ottosson stable.

Nina Ottosson dog twister activity toy level 3

This particular design, the Dog Casino, is a level 3 game so is recommended for more challenging play.

Although we found it can easily be adapted to suit your dog.

The idea behind the Dog Casino is for your dog to slide the drawers open to access the treats hidden inside.

If your dog is good at solving puzzles, you can further challenge them by simply twisting the bone shaped white handles to lock the drawers in place.

We introduced the puzzle with a couple of drawers slightly ajar to entice Freddie. Once he was able to pull the drawers open to reveal the treats inside, we shut the drawers completely.

Lastly, we began to turn the bones to lock the handles in place and with some guidance Freddie was able to start unlocking them - this stage is very tricky!

Made from tough plastic so not only can you use it for wet or even frozen treats, its dishwasher proof too.

+ Provides a challenge

+ Easy to Clean

+ No Loose pieces

- Difficult to master completely

- More challenging starting level

9. Best Dog Feeder Toy

This dog puzzle from Loobani is ideal for dogs on a kibble or dry food diet. It will require some patience on your part as it was deceptively difficult to train to use, but can keep your dog occupied for a long time.

Loobani treat dispenser

Initially, all the dogs which tested this puzzle tried to get to the treats by attempting to remove the canister lids with their teeth.

To start with you may need to spin the three canisters to help your dog understand how to release the kibble or treats from the 3 holes in the top.

Your dog will slowly learn to paw the canisters to spin and release the treats.

Made from bamboo, it's sturdy and the H-shaped base held it in place whilst the canisters spun.

We found that once filled this feeder can hold your dogs attention for a really long time so great for distraction purposes and perfect if you have a greedy guzzler as it will slow their eating down.

The canisters can be fixed at one of 3 different heights so it's suitable for all sizes of dog. All you need is 5 minutes and a screwdriver to put it together.

Dog playing with Loobani dog toy

There are four non-slip pads which fit under the base so it won't scratch wooden floors and should stay in one place.

Cleverly there are three different sized holes on each lid to release a range of the treats or kibble.

The only flaw we could find is that to spin the canisters easily, they need to be fairly full. In testing, we found that the less they weigh, the harder they are to spin.

We'd suggest when you introduce this toy to your four-legged friend for the first time, fill it up for maximum reward v minimum effort. As your dog gets confident with the concept, you could half fill the canisters to make them work harder.

Also, bear in mind that whilst the canisters are dishwasher safe, you would first need to unscrew the rod holding them in place to remove them (which is a bit of a faff).

We found other, spinning dog feeders on the market, but they were all constructed from plastic, so they won't be as durable as the Loobani bamboo puzzle feeder.

+ Doesn't slide on the floor

+ Easy to fill

+ Ideal slow feeder

+ Hours of entertainment

- Will need initial training

- Not suitable for wet or raw food

- Pricier option

- Not easy to clean

10. Best Challenging Puzzle

Many of Nina Ottosson's puzzles can be can be set to differing levels of complexity to satisfy all ages and several dog ability levels.

Nina Ottosson Dog Puzzle, difficulty level 3

This 'Worker' dog puzzle has sliding mechanisms and requires your dog to work through a series of sequential steps to release the hidden treats.

Clearly this is a level 3 (difficult) puzzle, so you may need to initially break it down into smaller steps.

We love this puzzle because it offers you a degree of flexibility on just how difficult you want to make it.

Ultimately it's this flexibility which will keep the puzzle stimulating as your dog improves.

Better still, as all the working components slide, they stay attached to the puzzle so there are no parts to misplace.

We loved that the new updated Dog Worker puzzle is made to look like real wood, but it's actually a composite material with all the benefits of both wood and plastic. So it’s more durable than wood, easy to clean and will not splinter or snap.

+ No loose pieces

- Could frustrate beginners

11. Perfect for Solo Training

If you love a bit of tech to help with your training, then this last puzzle to feature is definitely the dog gadget for you.

Treat & Train Remote Reward for dogs

The PetSafe Treat and Train rewards your dog for repeating the behaviour you are looking to encourage.

You're in control of remotely releasing a snack as a reward.

It's a great tool for more advanced ' send away ' commands if you're training on your own, but can equally add some real fun to simpler training sessions.

The pack includes an helpful DVD, handheld remote, target wand and training guide to help you master using the Treat and Train.

There are great reviews and ratings by dog owners and a video to watch so you can see the concept in action.

+ If you love gadgets

+ Useful for solo training sessions

+ Great fun for you and your pup

- Expensive puzzle toy

Our Verdict

If you're looking for a basic entry level puzzle toy then take a look at the KONG Gyro . It's a simple but well designed treat dispenser which is available in two sizes to suit a wide range of dog breeds.

We love it because it's a great introduction to dog puzzle toys but it doesn't involve a huge amount of strategy and the results are fairly immediate. Also crucially, it's designed to be taken apart for easy cleaning.

For something a bit more testing, we'd recommend K9Connectables . Their innovative range of brightly coloured enrichment toys offers some unique play opportunities and is incredibly flexible. It really is this flexibility that we love, as the toys can become more difficult as your dog's puzzle solving skills improve.

Lastly, if you are searching for a difficult puzzle for more challenging play, then take a look at the range of Level 3 Nina Ottosson puzzles. We found the Dog Casino and the Worker puzzles are definitely at the harder end of the dog puzzle spectrum.

Tips for using Puzzle Toys with Dogs

There's such a range of difficulty levels available, try to choose a puzzle that you think your dog will be able to master with some initial help. Ultimately, if your dog becomes frustrated they will lose interest.

No matter which puzzle you decide to try, your presence will make them a fun and rewarding experience for your dog and hopefully you.

And remember, to get the most out of these toys, rotate them with your other toys to retain your dog's interest.

🧩 Thanks for dropping by and we hope you've found the perfect puzzle toy for your dog in our review of the Best Puzzle Toys for Dogs 🧩

  • BUYING GUIDES

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Mark is a  Boston University graduate and former electrical engineer. In 2017, he decided to combine his tech knowledge with his love for dogs. He spent a year familiarizing himself with the latest GPS tracking collars , invisible fences , and other hot pet gadgets before he wrote his first product review. After selling Technobark, Mark remained a writer and consultant but spends more time on his other passion now: raising and training his growing family of dogs.

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Keeping your furry friend entertained and out of trouble can be a challenge. While daily walks and playtime are essential, sometimes our pups need a little extra stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. That’s where fun dog toys come in! Not only do they provide mental and physical exercise, but they can also help strengthen the bond between you and your pup.

However, with so many types of dog toys on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones for your furry friend. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 7 amazing options that will keep your pup busy and out of trouble. From interactive dog puzzles to durable chew toys, the ideas below are sure to provide hours of entertainment for your pup.

Sneak Peek: Our Top 3 Favorite Fun Dog Toys

PupPod Interactive Dog Game and Treat-Tossing Pet Camera

Understanding Your Dog’s Need for Play

Before we dive into the world of fun toys that keep dogs busy, it’s important to understand why play is so crucial for our canine companions. Play is not just a recreational activity for dogs; it serves many essential functions in their lives.

First and foremost, play allows dogs to burn off excess energy. When dogs engage in vigorous play sessions, they release pent-up energy and reduce the likelihood of developing problem behaviors like destructive chewing or excessive barking .

Furthermore, play helps to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. By interacting and playing together, dogs and humans can build a closer relationship based on trust and mutual enjoyment. Playing also provides dogs with an outlet for their natural instincts, such as chasing, retrieving, and problem-solving.

The Importance of Mental Stimulation for Dogs

When we think of exercise for dogs, we often focus on physical exercises, such as walks or runs. However, mental exercise is equally important for a dog’s overall well-being.

Dogs are intelligent animals and enjoy solving puzzles and challenges. By providing them with toys that encourage mental stimulation, we can keep their minds sharp and prevent cognitive decline .

Play also helps to alleviate separation anxiety in dogs . When they’re are engaged in play, they are less likely to become anxious when left alone. Providing them with interactive dog toys can help keep them occupied and prevent feelings of loneliness.

Last, but not least, play can be used as a tool for training and behavior modification. By incorporating play into training sessions, dogs become more focused and motivated to learn. It can also be used as a reward for good behavior, reinforcing positive actions and strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners.

Now that we understand the importance of fun dog toys, let’s very quickly go over a few tips for choosing the right ones for your pooch.

Choosing the Right Toys for Your Dog’s Size and Breed

When selecting toys for your dog, it’s essential to consider their size, breed, and individual preferences. Small dogs may prefer toys that they can easily handle and manipulate, whereas larger breeds may require more durable toys that can withstand their strong jaws.

It’s also crucial to choose toys that are appropriate for your dog’s age and developmental stage. Puppies, for example, may benefit from softer, chewable toys to soothe teething discomfort, while adult dogs may prefer interactive or puzzle toys that challenge their problem-solving skills.

Furthermore, some breeds have specific play preferences. Retrievers, for instance, often enjoy toys that involve fetching and retrieving, while terriers may prefer toys that allow them to engage in their instinctual digging behaviors.

Safety Considerations When Choosing Dog Toys

While selecting toys for your dog, safety should always be a top priority. Here are some essential safety considerations to keep in mind:

  • Choose toys made from non-toxic materials that are safe for your dog to chew on.
  • Avoid toys with small parts that could be choking hazards.
  • Inspect toys regularly for any signs of wear or damage and replace them as needed.
  • Supervise your dog during playtime to prevent them from swallowing or ingesting parts of the toy.

You may also want to read: Is Giving Your Dog a Plastic Chew Toy Really That Bad?

7 Fun Toys to Keep Your Dog Busy

Now that we’ve covered the importance of play in your dog’s life, let’s get to the reason you’re actuall here: fun dog toys!

FYI, the rest of this post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Interactive Puzzle Toys

Interactive puzzle toys are a fantastic way to challenge your dog’s problem-solving abilities and keep them mentally stimulated. These toys often require dogs to figure out how to access hidden treats or solve puzzles to earn rewards.

One popular interactive puzzle toy is the Kong Classic . This durable rubber toy can be filled with treats or peanut butter, providing hours of entertainment as your dog works to extract the tasty rewards. The Kong Classic is available in various sizes, making it suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes.

The KONG Classic's unpredictable bounce makes for exciting games of fetch and other interactive play with your pet. This is a fun way for average chewers to get the exercise they need.

KONG Classic Dog Toy

2. Durable Chew Toys

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs and provides a variety of benefits, including dental hygiene and stress relief. Offering durable chew toys can help redirect your dog’s chewing instincts away from your furniture, shoes, or other inappropriate items.

The Benebone Chew Toy is a great option for dogs that love to chew. Made from durable nylon, this toy is designed to withstand even the most vigorous chewing. The unique shape and flavor of the Benebone Chew Toy make it highly appealing to dogs, providing hours of chewing enjoyment.

Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy

3. Tug-of-War Toys

Tug-of-war toys are perfect for dogs that enjoy a good game of tug. These toys are designed to endure the pulling and tugging action, providing a safe and fun outlet for your dog’s natural instincts.

The CHUCKIT! Ultra Duo Tug Tough Toy is an excellent choice if you have dogs that love to play tug-of-war. Two dogs can easily play together, or you can grab the other end yourself!

Duo tug fetch features two tennis balls connected by a durable, two-ply nylon handle that makes it easy to toss. The interactive design is developed to have high bounce, high buoyancy, and extreme durability. Perfect for countless hours of playtime!

Chuckit! Ultra Duo Tug Tough Dog Toy

4. Fetch Toys

Fetch toys are a classic favorite among dogs and owners alike. These toys are designed to be tossed, encouraging dogs to retrieve and bring them back, providing both physical exercise and mental stimulation.

The Uahpet iRetriever Automatic Ball Launcher is by far one of my favorite fetch machines ever. With unsurpassed safety features and multiple launch options, it’ll keep your pooch active and engaged both indoors and out.

The iRetriever features three launch angles spanning 60 degrees and obstacle-detection technology, allowing for safe and intelligent launching. With more ways to play fetch, your dog will enjoy unexpected angles and thrilling surprises, while you have peace of mind knowing they're playing safely.

Uahpet

5. Squeaky Toys

Squeaky toys are great for dogs that enjoy auditory stimulation during play. The sound of the squeaker can excite dogs and keep them engaged for longer periods.

The Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Toy is a fantastic option for dogs that love squeaky toys. This interactive plush toy comes with several squeaky squirrels that can be hidden inside a soft tree trunk. Dogs love the challenge of finding and retrieving each squirrel, providing hours of squeaky fun.

The Hide A Squirrel dog puzzle is an easy way to get your furry friends engaged for hours of fun! Just fill the tree trunk with 3 stuffed squeaky squirrels, toss it, and let your dog's natural hunting instincts kick in!

Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy

6. Treat-Dispensing Toys

Treat-dispensing toys combine play and reward, making them excellent tools for stimulating your dog both mentally and physically. These toys can be filled with treats or kibble, challenging your dog to figure out how to access the delicious rewards.

The PupPod is a versatile treat-dispensing toy that rewards your pup for solving puzzles. It comes with two parts- a rocker and a dispenser. The dispenser (which doubles as a treat-tossing camera) pops tasty treats out as a reward for solving puzzles on the rocker.

The PupPod Rocker is an app-based training device that is intended to improve their mental wellbeing and skills by your dogs having to solve a puzzle and rewarding them with treats if they successfully do achieve the level.

PupPod Interactive Dog Game and Treat-Tossing Pet Camera

7. Comfort Toys

While physical and mental stimulation is essential, comfort toys provide dogs with a sense of security and companionship during downtime. These toys often have a plush or soft texture, making them perfect snuggle buddies for dogs.

While there are quite a few brands offering “anti-anxiety dog toys,” The Original Snuggle Puppy is my favorite. Not only is it absolutely adorable, but it’s also incredibly soothing for dogs of all ages, thanks to the ” real-feel heartbeat” feature.

Calm your anxious pooch with the Original Snuggle Puppy! Designed in the USA, it’s paw-fect for your furry friend to cuddle, while providing soothing comfort as it relieves anxiety. Featuring a Real-Feel heartbeat with two modes, this paw-some calming puppy is easy to use and includes AAA batteries and a heat pack. It’s the all-natural solution to calming your fur-iend.

Snuggle Puppy Original Snuggle Puppy Plush Dog Behavioral Aid Anxiety Relief

Rotating Toys to Maintain Interest

Prevent your dog from getting bored with their fun new toys, it’s a good idea to rotate them regularly. Set aside a few at a time and then switch them out every few days or weeks. By doing so, you can keep your dog’s interest and enthusiasm high, ensuring that their playtime remains engaging and enjoyable.

By incorporating these fun toys into your dog’s daily routine, you can provide them with the mental and physical exercise they need while keeping them entertained and out of trouble.

Remember to always supervise your dog during playtime and choose toys that are appropriate for their size and breed. With the right toys and plenty of playtime, you can help your furry friend live a happy, healthy, and well-balanced life!

Mark Braeden

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8 Best Mental Stimulation Toys for Dogs in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

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If you want your pup to stay sharp and engaged, a mental stimulation toy is a perfect choice. Mental stimulation toys provide an interactive way of keeping your dog entertained, promoting problem-solving skills, boosting their confidence, and helping them become more independent thinkers.

With so many options now available on the market, it can be difficult to choose which is best for your pup. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of the eight best mental stimulation toys for dogs. Keep reading to find out which will be the perfect fit for your furry friend.

  • A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

The 8 Best Mental Stimulation Toys for Dogs

  • 1. Frisco Volcano Hide & Seek Puzzle Plush Squeaky Dog Toy – Best Overall

Our choice for the best overall mental stimulation toy for your dog is Frisco’s Volcano Hide & Seek Puzzle Plush Squeaky Dog Toy . Hide-n-sneak is a fantastic way to get your dog excited and use its memory to find things. This volcano toy has several plush dinosaurs that squeak when gently chewed, encouraging play. And since the toys are made with soft material, they are easy on your dog’s teeth, whether puppies or seniors.

If your dog is a heavy chewer, this toy might not be the best thing for them. You can buy plush replacements, but if your dog just destroys them, it will cost a lot overall.

  • Budget-friendly
  • Suitable for dogs of all ages
  • Not suitable for dogs that like to chew and destroy
  • 2. fouFIT Mini Bumper Treat Dispensing Ball Dog Toy – Best Value

If your dog responds best to the treat-reward system, fouFIT Mini Bumper Treat Dispensing Ball Dog Toy is sure to be a hit. This interactive puzzle toy is designed to promote mental stimulation in your pup while they seek out treats or kibble inside. The durable material is designed to withstand rough play from the most active of dogs.

fouFIT Mini Bumper Treat Dispensing Ball Dog Toy also doubles as an ordinary chew toy for those times when your pup just needs some good ol’ fashioned distraction.

  • Ideal for treat-rewards
  • Fun for chasing and fetching
  • Snout shape may not be suitable for all breeds
  • 3. iFetch iDig Stay Dog Toy – Premium Choice

Does your dog like digging? Most dogs do! However, we really do not want them digging in our yards or gardens. If you want your dog to get out some energy by digging, we recommend the iFetch iDig Stay Dog Toy as our premium choice. This fabric toy has layers and pockets where you can hide some toys or treats and let your dog go nuts by digging around to find them. This encourages a healthy digging habit that will not destroy your property and provide a good time for your canine.

Something to keep in mind, though, is if your dog gets a bit overexcited and is a heavy chewer, this toy might not last very long. Some people pointed out that it got ripped a bit easily when their dogs played roughly with it.

  • Suitable for breeds of all sizes
  • Can be used with small toys and treats
  • It’s pricey
  • 4. Pet Zone Treat Dispenser – Best for Puppies

The Pet Zone IQ Treat Dispenser Ball is a great choice for dogs of all sizes. This interactive treat dispenser will keep your pup engaged and mentally stimulated as they paw and push the ball to get a treat reward from inside.

The adjustable difficulty allows you to customize the level of challenge depending on your pup’s intelligence and skill levels while satisfying their natural instinct to hunt and forage.

Constructed with a durable plastic material that is designed to withstand rough play, this toy will keep your pup entertained for hours. The treat dispenser ball comes apart easily, so you can wash it in the sink.

  • Adjustable difficulty for customized challenge
  • Treat reward is an added incentive
  • Durable plastic construction
  • Some dogs may get frustrated with the difficulty of getting treats out
  • 5. Potaroma Flopping Fish

It moves. It chews. And it’s perfect for keeping your pup entertained with a variety of activities. Potaroma’s Flopping Fish is an interactive toy that charges via micro-USB. It comes with catnip and silvervine, so you might be misled to think this toy is solely for cats. While it’s certainly geared toward felines, the Flopping Fish does a really fine job of keeping Fido entertained, as well.

The toy is soft and durable, and the material is warm and comfortable, so your pup can chew on it or wait for its flopping movement to surprise them. The Flopping Fish is a great choice if you’re looking for an interactive toy that will keep your pup engaged and active. And if you happen to have any cats, the catnip and silvervine are sure to attract them. Just be ready to referee some disputes! Just avoid giving this toy to heavy chewers.

  • Soft and durable material
  • Catnip and silvervine included
  • Keeps both cats and dogs entertained
  • Not suitable for heavy chewers
  • 6. KONG Stuffed Ball Toy

Most dog owners know that KONG ball toys are some of the most iconic and popular dog toys on the market. They’re strong, tough, durable, long-lasting, and perfect for dogs that like to chew and destroy things.

In short, KONG’s toys are virtually indestructible. So it only made sense that the company would create another version of its beloved ball toy, this time designed for canines that respond to treat -rewarding activities.

Simply fill the ball with dog paste and let your pup do the rest. They’ll lick, chew, and gnaw away at the tasty treat until it’s all gone. Not only is this toy a great way to keep your pup mentally stimulated, but it helps keep their teeth clean, thanks to the Denta-Ridges design.

  • Super durable and long-lasting
  • Works with or without treats
  • Cleans teeth
  • Treat paste sold separately
  • 7. Outward Hound Hide N Slide

Let’s be honest; most dogs find interest in things that involve food. Outward Hound’s Hide N Slide fulfills the latter, offering an interactive toy that gives out treats for dogs that can figure out the clever design.

The pet-safe construction works via a simple button press—when your dog places its paw on it, a door slides open to reveal a treat.

It’s a great way to keep your pooch mentally stimulated and occupy its time. Plus, the Hide N Slide is nicely sized, measuring just under 12 x 12 inches. So there’s plenty of surface area for your dog to interact with.

  • Plenty of area to explore and interact with
  • Durable ABS plastic construction
  • Easy-to-use design
  • Only small treats accepted
  • 8. TRIXIE Mad Scientist

This fun, interactive game is perfect for keeping your pup engaged and mentally stimulated. The TRIXIE Mad Scientist features three pet-safe vials with treats hidden inside them.

Your pup needs to figure out how to turn each vial in order to reveal the treat inside. The challenging Level 2 game requires your pup to use their problem-solving skills to turn the vials in order to get their rewards.

We like that the vials are blue, as that’s the color dogs see most clearly. This one’s a breeze to set up, so your pup can be playing in no time.

  • Challenge requires problem-solving skills
  • Blue vials are easy for dogs to see
  • Pet-safe materials and design
  • Might be too challenging for some dog
  • Buyer’s Guide for the Best Mental Stimulation Toys for Dogs

Mental stimulation toys for dogs can help keep your pup entertained and engaged while providing much-needed mental exercise. But it’s crucial to know what to look for in these toys. So before buying a mental stimulation toy for your canine companion, consider the following factors:

  • Your Dog’s Personality: Does your pup prefer to play alone or with other pets? Some toys are designed for solo play, while others encourage social interaction.
  • Size and Weight of Your Dog: Not all mental stimulation toys are suitable for all sizes of dogs. Make sure you select a toy that is appropriate for your dog’s size and weight.
  • Materials: Check the materials used to make the toy. Look for non-toxic, durable materials that are designed to stand up to your pet’s chewing and playing style .
  • Interactive Elements: Many mental stimulation toys offer interactive elements like treat dispensers, squeakers, or puzzles. Consider how your pup will respond to each of these features when selecting a toy for him.
  • Price Point: Mental stimulation toys come in a variety of price points, so make sure to shop around and compare prices.

Editor’s Note: All toys featured in this guide are non-toxic and pet-safe.

Now that you know what to look for in a mental stimulation toy, you can be sure to invest in the most suitable one for your beloved pup.

We hope our top picks for this year helped you determine which mental stimulation toy you want to get for your dog.

Our top choice is Frisco’s Volcano Hide & Seek Puzzle Plush Squeaky Dog Toy . It is great for all dogs and helps encourage play. The fouFIT Mini Bumper Treat Dispensing Ball Dog Toy is a top budget-friendly choice for your pooch. And if you have a bit more money to spend, think about getting the iFetch iDig Stay Dog Toy . For the puppy-owners, we recommend Pet Zone IQ Treat Dispenser Ball because your pooch will love a toy that gives treats.

All these toys are designed for safety and provide plenty of mental stimulation—so there’s something for every budget!

Featured Image Credit: alexei_tm, Shutterstock

Nicole Cosgrove

Lead Pet Expert & Pet-ditor in Chief

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Subway Strays: The Dogs of Moscow’s Metro

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Despite the collapse of the Soviet Union, the stray dogs in Moscow have a surprisingly well-documented history which animal behaviorists have been paying close attention to for several decades. During the Soviet period in Russia the packs of wild (or stray) dogs in were regulated. Only the clever canines who learned to stay in isolation were able to survive. Usually, these dogs would remain on the outskirts of the city hunting in wild packs, as the living in the city was dangerous and food scarce.  After the fall of the Soviet Union quality of life in Russia began to slowly improve and with it more street vendors and food collecting in busy neighborhoods. This began to bring some the stray dogs out of the suburbs into the city.

Today, there are nearly 35,000 stray dogs that call Moscow home. Out of these 35,000 stray dogs there are about 500 that have taken to living underground. Out of these dogs, there are a few that have started thinking outside the box and inside the boxcar. They have begun the slow move underground to stay out of the cold (Russian winters reach an average of -5 degrees every day). Many of the Russian commuters embraced the dog’s underground migration by petting them or giving them food.

Though these claims may seem like the made up type of internet misinformation that we have learned to be skeptical of these days, it is actually sourced to a Russian biologist by the name of  Dr. Andrey Poyarkov , a highly regarded scientist in his field of study. As it turns out Poyarkov has been studying these dogs for the last thirty years and told news sources back in 2010 that he suspected a small fraction of these underground dogs had actually learned to use the subway in order to beg for food in bustling urban areas where food is more plentiful.

Andrei Neuronov , an animal behaviorist, says much like you train your dogs at home to respond to verbal commands like “sit” or “stay,” the Moscow metro dogs are using audio cues from the subway stops they have learned. The dogs memorize the names of the stops to navigate the subway systems in order to take them to heavily populated places during the day and get food.  Then, they return to their more secluded corners of the suburbs at night where they are less likely to be bothered by people.  Here is a story ABC did back in 2011, talking about this very thing.

Do you have any information on how to help these dogs?  Please share and comment below.

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The 11 Top Dog Breeds With Remarkable Intelligence

Posted: November 21, 2023 | Last updated: November 21, 2023

<p>If you’re looking for a furry friend with brains to match their brawn, you’ll want to consider one of the world’s smartest dog breeds. These intelligent canines are quick learners and excel in various activities, from obedience training to problem-solving tasks. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the top 10 smartest dog breeds that are sure to impress you with their intellect.</p>

If you’re looking for a furry friend with brains to match their brawn, you’ll want to consider one of the world’s smartest dog breeds. These intelligent canines are quick learners and excel in various activities, from obedience training to problem-solving tasks. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the top 10 smartest dog breeds that are sure to impress you with their intellect.

<p>Border Collies are often regarded as the smartest dogs in the world. Their keen instincts, problem-solving abilities, and agility make them exceptional working and agility dogs.</p>

Border Collie

Border Collies are often regarded as the smartest dogs in the world. Their keen instincts, problem-solving abilities, and agility make them exceptional working and agility dogs.

<p>Poodles are not just hypoallergenic; they’re also highly intelligent. They excel in obedience training and are known for their problem-solving skills.</p>

Poodles are not just hypoallergenic; they’re also highly intelligent. They excel in obedience training and are known for their problem-solving skills.

<p>Consistency is key in training. Avoid lapses in reinforcement or rules, as this can confuse your dog and hinder their progress. If you do nothing else, we always make Harvey sit before he can eat his food. He has to acknowledge us, and then we tell him it’s okay to eat. This is a quick and easy moment to reinforcement before each meal.</p>

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are not only loyal and protective but also incredibly intelligent. They make excellent working dogs, excelling in roles such as police and service dogs.

<p>Golden Retrievers, celebrated for their boldness, intelligence, and unwavering friendliness, have etched a lasting place in our hearts. Beyond their well-known traits, these canines conceal a trove of lesser-known treasures that add to their enduring allure. Whether you’re already an ardent fan or contemplating the joy of welcoming one into your home, prepare to be enchanted by the hidden wonders of Golden Retrievers!</p>

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly nature and intelligence. They are quick learners and are often used as therapy and assistance dogs.

<p>Dobermans are not just powerful; they’re also highly intelligent. Their sharp minds make them excellent candidates for obedience and agility training.</p>

Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans are not just powerful; they’re also highly intelligent. Their sharp minds make them excellent candidates for obedience and agility training.

<p>Shetland Sheepdogs are known for their agility and intelligence. They excel in herding and obedience activities.</p>

Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs are known for their agility and intelligence. They excel in herding and obedience activities.

<p>Don’t rely solely on punishment-based training methods. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, is highly effective in encouraging desired behavior.</p>

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are not only friendly but also highly intelligent. They are versatile dogs, often used in various roles, including search and rescue.

<p>Papillons are small but incredibly smart dogs. They are quick learners and excel in obedience and agility training.</p>

Papillons are small but incredibly smart dogs. They are quick learners and excel in obedience and agility training.

<p>Rottweilers are not just strong; they are also highly intelligent and trainable. Their loyalty and intelligence make them excellent guard dogs.</p>

Rottweilers are not just strong; they are also highly intelligent and trainable. Their loyalty and intelligence make them excellent guard dogs.

<p>Australian Cattle Dogs are known for their problem-solving abilities. They excel in herding and agility activities due to their intelligence and energy.</p>

Australian Cattle Dog

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Dog-Learn

Russkiy Toy Dog Breed

Russkiy Toy Lying Outside

  • Other names:
  • Russian Toy
  • Moscow Toy Terrier
  • Russian Toy Terrier
  • Russian Terrier
  • Moscovian Miniature Terrier
  • Russian Longhaired Toy Terrier
  • Moscow Longhair Toy Terrier
  • View all 7...

Pronunciation : "Roos kee Toy"

The Russkiy Toy, or Russian Toy Terrier, is a companion breed that has graced many laps over it's history-- from the aristocratic to the most humble. These dogs are happy and playful so be prepared to devote plenty of time and energy to them daily. This is an indoor breed that does best with owners without children or that has older children due to their fragility. Some are outgoing others are reserved, but you can bet they will be an excellent watchdog. Exercise needs are modest, while grooming requirements are moderate and with plenty of toys (and attention) this fairly healthy breed will be around 10-12 years or more.

Russkiy Toy Breed DetailsC

  • Friendliness
  • Family Friendly
  • Kid Friendly
  • Pet Friendly
  • Stranger Friendly
  • Maintenance
  • Easy to Groom
  • Energy Level
  • Exercise Needs
  • General Health
  • Shedding Amount
  • Barks / Howls
  • Easy to Train
  • Playfulness
  • Apartment Friendly
  • Can Be Alone
  • Good for Busy Owners
  • Good for Novice Owners
  • Intelligence

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Small English Terriers had made their way to Russia by the early 1700's-- the most well known example belonging to Peter the Great. As the popularity of anything English grew during the 1800's, so too did the popularity of these little English Toy Terriers; the breed was a favorite among the aristocratic ladies of the period. Although almost exterminated during the Communist revolution (1917) by the mid 1950's there was an effort to revive the breed. Only after this time did the development of the second (long-haired) coat type become standardized.

Today, this companion breed is still beloved by all owners for their lively playfulness and loving personality. They make excellent choices for the elderly and those that spend a lot of time at home-- or can bring them along on travels. Although Russian Terriers are not attack dogs, to be sure, they are top notch watch dogs that do show protective instincts. Consider the following Russkiy Toy breed facts:

  • Perfectly sized for small dwellings
  • Generally good with visitors
  • Not aggressive
  • Ok with other pets
  • Lap dog and attention loving companion
  • Good with travel
  • Excellent watch dog
  • Fairly easy to train
  • Excels in agility activities
  • Exercise needs easily met
  • May experience separation anxiety
  • Prone to Small Dog Syndrome
  • Barks frequently
  • Moderate grooming necessary
  • Best for owners with older or no children
  • May be aloof around strangers
  • Not hypoallergenic

Russkiy Toy Breed Description

Overall, the Russkiy Toy gives an impression of an elegant little companion dog-- thriving off attention while being perpetually cheerful and active. They are often described as similar in appearance to Chihuahuas, however, the head is not so apple shaped, the batlike ears are even larger and the muzzle more long and narrow. These tiny dogs weigh up to six pounds and come in both short and long haired varieties. This section will give you the 101 on the Russian Toy Terrier dog, especially in regards to information on her intelligence, temperament around others and maintenance needs.

1. Intelligence - These are smart little dogs that can learn quickly if trained by a firm owner that doesn't allow them to run the household or treat them like babies. They should be socialized early with people and pets. Teaching them not to jump off furniture can prevent many injuries to this fragile breed.

2. Kids, Strangers, Pets - Some Russkiys will be outgoing but many will remain aloof and reserved around strangers, thus why early socialization is important. Due to their vocal nature they do make excellent watch dogs. They do best in households with no or older children since they are not tolerant of rough play. Most are fine with other pets.

3. Maintenance - This breed may be perpetually lively but it's easy to give them the exercise they need. A few walks, some games with toys and playtime is a yard is all acceptable; they will be active indoors. This breed excels at agility activities. If not given enough attention they are prone to separation anxiety and they do require frequent brushing and bathing.

Russkiy Toy Coloring

This breed has four standard coat colors, according to the FCI:

  • Black and tan
  • Brown and tan
  • Blue and tan
  • Red with a brown or black overlay

As for the most popular? The Blue Russian Terrier coat, of course. The richer the shade of each color the better. There are other coat colors that appear frequently that said to be "weakened" shades and aren't considered "standard" such as

  • Lilac (weakened brown) and tan
  • Pale-- which is not quite a white Russian Terrier but as close as one might get

Black & Tan Long-Haired Russkiy Toy

Russkiy Toy Variations

These dogs are considered in the Toy category and don't vary much in size (under 6.5 pounds); there are no alternate size types like many other breeds such as Mini or Giant Russian Terriers. Where you will see variety is in the coat because there are two types of Russian Terriers:

1. Short-haired Russian Toy Terriers have coats that are glossy, close-lying and, as the name implies, short.

2. Long-haired Russian Toy Terriers have coats that are medium-long and straight to wavy. There is feathering on the backs of the legs and ears whereas the feet are heavily covered. The only areas on this coat type that are short are on the head and front of the legs.

Russkiy Toy Temperament

The Russkiy Toy temperament is active and playful, not to mention attention loving. Whether sitting on the couch or tearing around the yard, this breed wants to do it with you. They make perfect companions if you have enough time for them and are able to treat them like a beloved pet instead of a baby; otherwise you may find yourself frustrated by a destructive dog experiencing separation anxiety or Small Dog Syndrome.

Russian Terriers are certainly vocal and are said to bark more than Chihuahuas, which is excellent if you want a watch dog but not so much if you have close neighbors. With strangers they may be reserved but are capable of warming up after establishing the person is not a threat. Most get along well with other pets but they do best with older children if going into a family setting. Young ones may play a little to rough for this fragile thing and your Russkiy Toy may not tolerate being mishandled.

Finally, members of this breed are pretty intelligent and trainable, even by a first timer! The key is to treat them as a pet (not a baby) and be patient, yet firm. They are known for being a bit testing and stubborn at first but after they begin to listen, they actually excel in any type of training (especially agility).

Russkiy Toy Photos

Below are pictures and images of the Russkiy Toy (Russian Terrier) dog breed.

Black & Tan Long-Haired Russkiy Toy

Russkiy Toy Health

Russian Toy dogs live about 10-12 years, on average, but it's not unheard of for them to live up to 15 years! Although they are tiny, delicate dogs with associated fragility of similar breeds, they are otherwise pretty healthy. Patellar luxation is a common issue that is inherited from the parents so make sure to choose a reputable breeder that offers proof of any certifications and testings done on the parents. Also, your Russkiy Toy may have issues with her baby teeth not falling out-- in which case you may need to take them to the veterinarian for removal since this can cause disease of the teeth and gums.

  • Patellar Luxation
  • Retained Baby Teeth

Russkiy Toy Breed Recognition

The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Russkiy Toy as a dog breed:

  • Canadian Kennel Club
  • Dog Registry of America Inc.
  • Federation Cynologique Internationale
  • Foundation Stock Service
  • North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
  • American Canine Association, Inc.
  • View all 6...
  • http://www.russiantoyclub.org/history.html
  • http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/352g09-en.pdf
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russkiy_Toy
  • http://toy-volgograd.ru/about.html
  • http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/moscowtoyterrier.htm

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